Reader's Choice: Top Technologies of the Year
Avista and Maxwell team for fuel cells
Avista Labs, the distributed power affiliate of Avista Corp., is using PowerCache ultracapacitors from Maxwell Technologies to optimize performance and reduce the cost of its modular fuel-cell systems and components. Maxwell develops and markets electronic components and power and computing systems for the transportation and industrial industries. Avista is developing fuel-cell products initially for application in distributed power generation and industrial power backup systems, and "may pursue future applications in vehicle auxiliary power units and industrial and consumer electronic devices."
Carl Eibl, Maxwell's President and CEO, and J. Michael Davis, Avista Labs' CEO, said that the companies have signed a multi-year supply agreement and are exploring areas of mutual interest for a broader strategic relationship.
"Avista Labs' proprietary design—integrating fuel-cell and ultracapacitor technologies—has produced a high-performance, compact generator system that can accelerate the advancement of fuel cells into the alternative power and components supply mainstream," said Eibl. The ultracapacitors deliver rapid bursts of power for start-up and peak load buffering, making them well suited for fuel-cell-energy generation.
"Our proprietary method of integrating ultracapacitors into our power-management circuitry will allow us to make components and systems across a range of voltage applications with significant reductions in size and cost," said Davis.
Avista's fuel-cell products are book-sized modular proton-exchange membrane fuel-cell cartridges. Individual cartridges can be removed and replaced ("hot-swapped") without shutting down the entire system, providing "zero downtime" power. According to Davis, Avista has installed dozens of operating demonstration fuel-cell generators in a range of field applications and is now offering products for selected commercial applications.
For more information from Avista, circle 30; from Maxwell, circle 31
Donaldson's entry in the fuel-cell arena
 Donaldson's Fuel Cell Contamination Control (FC3) business unit presented its FC3 products for truck, bus, and car applications at the Grove International Fuel Cell Symposium in London. |
Every day it becomes clearer that fuel cells are no fad. The fact that they involve no combustion through the conversion of chemical energy into dc power with only heat and water as byproducts has researchers around the world wanting to use them to power everything from cell phones to submarines. For the most part, much fuel-cell development has occurred in the controlled, contaminant-free environment of laboratories. According to Donaldson Co., an improved understanding of fuel-cell contamination problems is a critical issue in the commercialization of the closest technology we have found yet to realize a perpetual-power machine.
"Intake-air (or cathode side) filtration is a crucial component for ensuring fuel-cell reliability and performance, but it's just now being included as a core subsystem," said Eivind Stenersen, Chief Engineer of Donaldson's Fuel Cell Contamination Control (FC3) business unit. "Ambient air in all corners of the world contains contaminants that can compromise the fuel-cell-system durability, life, and performance. To make the leap from the lab to the marketplace, fuel cells will require particulate and chemical filtration of the cathode air.
Donaldson announced in September 2001 that it had developed the "first" airborne contaminant and noise filtration systems designed for fuel-cell-specific applications. The products are being studied in a jointly funded contamination-control-research program at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. "Based on our collaboration with Los Alamos Laboratory, we know that hydrogen fuel cells are poised to become the energy source of the future," said Richard Canepa, Director of FC3.
Donaldson has reacted to Canepa's prediction by establishing FC3 offices in North America, Asia, and Europe, which is working with several fuel-cell manufacturers and product developers to make the technology a commercially viable power source for a wide range of transportation, residential, and portable applications.
In addition to extending fuel-cell life by shielding the system from airborne contaminants, the FC3 cathode-filtration system also integrates noise-control features to reduce noise from fuel-cell compressors and fans.
For more information from Donaldson, circle 32
Ausco offers articulated loader brake
 Ausco Products has introduced a new articulated loader parking brake for operation in harsh environments that the company claims will last the life of the vehicle. |
Ausco Products, Inc. has introduced a new articulated loader parking brake that it claims requires minimal maintenance, reduces manufacturing costs, and lasts for the life of the vehicle. The brakes are also designed for use on feller bunchers, log skidders, dump trucks, and other vehicles.
The spring-applied, hydraulically released, wet multi-disc brake is designed to operate in harsh conditions with minimal maintenance. The sealed brake and disc assemblies are sump-cooled, resist corrosion, and eliminate the need for an external oil supply.
In addition to maintenance savings, Ausco claims the location and design of the brake eliminate costly drivetrain components. Installed at the articulated joint and mountable to the frame in the driveline, the brake combines the joint's bearing carrier with the brake itself, removing the need for the bearing carrier. It also eliminates costly caliper brake installation and associated hardware such as the pump, discs and mounting brackets.
Because the wet brake creates no wear on the friction discs, the brake will last for the life of the vehicle. The brake's tapered roller bearings can endure thrust and side loads, and the brake is designed to survive a minimum of five dynamic stops.
Ausco originally designed the brake for John Deere H Series articulated front-end loaders to replace caliper brakes, which often become contaminated and require frequent friction pad replacements in the harsh environments loaders operate.
For more information from Ausco, circle 33
