Ergenics

Solid State Hydrogen Energy Solutions

Fuel Cell Underground Mining Vehicle - Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) with funding from the U.S. DOE, Natural Resources Canada and Industrial Partners

Vehicle Projects LLC, the project arm of Denver-based Fuelcell Propulsion Institute, is leading an international consortium to develop and demonstrate a mine loader employing fuel cell power and metal-hydride storage. The project cost will be close to $10 million and the mine loader will be demonstrated at three sites across North America in 2006 and 2007.  Project partners include Nuvera, AeroVironment, Caterpillar and several other organizations. The U.S. DOE, and the Canadian government, are contributing 50% of the funds required, with the other 50% being provided by the partners.

Ergenics' contribution to the project centers on hydrogen storage and refuelling, with the development of a customized system comprising two storage modules capable of storing approximately 14 kilograms of hydrogen and being refilled in less than 15 minutes. The storage system employs a modular design with enhanced heat transfer with a versatile "form factor" that  can be used in other applications such as material handling equipment, airport equipment and other off-road vehicles. The design also forms the basis for automotive hydrogen storage tanks.