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JULY 14th, 2005
VRB Power Completes Sale of $10.2 Million of Special Warrants
VRB Power Systems Inc. (TSX-V: VRB) the producer of the Vanadium Redox Battery Energy Storage
System announced that it has completed the sale of 14,167,000 special warrants. Gross proceeds were estimated at $10,200,240
(Canadian).
VRB’s energy storage systems, built with non-toxic materials,
are targeted towards the utility substation, cellular radio, commercial building and renewable resources market, which includes
wind farms and remote area power supply applications. The company reports that its products are designed to offer improved
power grid stability.
JULY 12th, 2005
Digital Gas, Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets:DIGG) has reported that it will
partner with ICCU, based in the Netherlands, to manufacture and market its Digital Ultracap device, an energy storage device
that can be used by utilities, as well as distributed renewable energy centers and in the home. The company indicates that
the device, since it can store energy at a price of approximately $400 per kWh (kilowatt-hour), with power electronics, will
enable power plants to down size their electrical generation capacity and operate at maximum power efficiency ratios.
This is all possible because large amounts of energy can be stored
for use during non-peak hours and then delivered at peak hours, lowering the need for utilities to run at peak energy generation
capacities, which are less than optimum in terms of power generation efficiency. The company also suggests that the device
will be a big plus for home owners with in-house renewable energy systems. One of the reasons is that the home owners would
not have to resell electricity back to grid, but instead could store it and reuse it themselves when the sun isn’t shining
or the wind isn’t blowing. One more important point to note is that a great deal of power is lost, upwards of 50 percent,
when electricity is transferred over power cables for a long distance. All of this would seem to suggest that it may become
more feasible to establish local power networks that transfer power within a neighborhood.
Digital Gas is planning volume production of the environmentally
friendly ultracap in late 2005 or early 2006. The company estimates that sales should reach $1.7 billion a year by 2010. The
factory that Digital Gas has planned is also expected to produce solid oxide fuel cell systems to go along with the ultracapacitor.
In terms of overall power savings to America, Digital Gas reports
that it has been estimated that $15 Billion a year would be cut from America's $200 billion annual electric bill.
JULY 7th, 2005
Fujitsu and NTT DoCoMo Develop Methanol Fuel Cell for
Handsets
Noting that fuel cells have a theoretical efficiency over ten times as Lithium Ion batteries,
Fujitsu and NTT DoCoMo have announced plans to showcase their new methanol micro fuel cell and charger prototype at Wireless
Japan, scheduled from July 13 to 15 2005 in Tokyo. The new technology is said to triple the charging capacity for cell phones.
Central to the development is that the prototype fuel cell has a methanol fuel concentration level of over 99 percent compared
to previous versions that had concentration levels of only 30 percent. The micro fuel cell, running on 99 percent concentration
levels, has an average power output of 1 Watt.
JUNE 28th, 2005
Revolt Technology AS, based in Trondheim Norway, has secured n7
million in venture capital in its first round of financing. The investors in the company’s rechargeable Zinc-air battery
technology included Northzone Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, Techno Venture Management (TVM), and Viking Ventures.
Revolt indicates that Zinc-air batteries, which have been on the
market for over 20 years, have a higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries. Because the company has devised a
method to produce Zinc-air batteries that are rechargeable, the battery is a prime candidate for the replacement of lithium
batteries, used in everything from mobile phones to laptop computers. According to Rodermann, Partner at Sofinnova Partners,
"Many companies have tried and failed to come up with a technology to replace Li-on. By succeeding in making Zinc-air batteries
rechargeable, the founders are positioning ReVolt to become a major player in the worldwide market for rechargeable batteries
for use in mobile consumer electronics. We believe ReVolt's breakthrough technology will be particularly useful in mobile
telephones, which have become more and more energy consumptive."
Revolt also suggests that Zinc-air batteries cost less to make than
their lithium-ion counterparts. Revolt estimates that the market for consumer-based rechargeable batteries, where
it plans to focus, will reach 1.6 billion units in 2008. In the mobile phone market, where Revolt has focused its design efforts,
is estimated to reach $3 billion in 2008.
ReVolt plans to concentrate on the market for consumer electronics,
where the number of units sold in 2008 is projected to reach 1.6 billion. ReVolt batteries will be particularly adapted to
use in mobile telephones, sales of which are expected to reach $3 billion by
2008.
ReVolt, founded in 2004, is a spin-off of Sintef, considered one
of the largest contract research centers in Europe.
JUNE 24th, 2005
Funding of $3.5 million for Neah Power Systems, Inc. has been included
in a federal appropriations bill for the development of a silicon based fuel cell technology. The new fuel cell technology
is expected to reduce the form factor of fuel cells. Weight reductions for batteries based on silicon technology may be in
the order of 50 percent. Final funding for the project is expected to be determined later in 2005.
JUNE 17th, 2005
In an effort to address the immense emissions problem association
with vehicles that are extensively idled when parked, such as trucks, Volvo Technology and Statoil have formed a joint venture
company called Powercell. Under the agreement, Powercell has obtained the rights to a new fuel cell technology that will be
used to power on-vehicle electronics, such as air conditioning and heating systems, when trucks are parked for long periods
as truck drivers take long needed naps.
According to Volvo, which sites statistics from the Truck Manufacturers
Association and calculations from the Department of Energy, the emissions generated from such activity are great. It estimates
that in North America alone, such idling trucks generate more CO2 emissions than 25 percent of all of Sweden’s emissions
combined. Volvo estimates that about 20 to 30 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per truck are generated every year.
The technology is also startling. Hydrogen fuel for the fuel
cell is generated from the diesel engine itself. As well, the design of the fuel cell is compact enough to enable standard
trucks to be retrofitted with the technology.
JUNE 15th, 2005
Valence Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: VLNC), a developer of phosphate-based
lithium-ion technology, with the announcement of its fiscal year revenue reported that it has secured an additional $20 million
funding commitment. Mr. Carl Berg has committed to the funding in the form of equity or a secured loan.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, Valence reported a 13
percent increase in revenue over revenues for its fiscal 2004 year. For its fiscal 2005 year Valences revenues were $10.7
million versus $9.5 million in fiscal 2004. Although yearly revenue was up and the highest in the company's history, revenue
for the company's fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 was down 15 percent - $2.4 million compared to $2.8 million in the company's
fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.
Despite the down quarter, there are signs that Valence will continue
on a growth track. The company indicated that because of the market response to battery runtime, they received orders for
the first half of fiscal year 2006 that were much higher than expected. The company also announced a design win from Segway
LLC and a reduction in production costs of 34 percent in fiscal 2005 compared to fiscal 2004 levels.
Other developments in fiscal 2005 included the introduction of its
U-Charge systems and orders for evaluation systems from Alternativ Canada, E-Traction, Electric Vehicles International, GF
Healthcare, and UQM Technologies. The company also reported that it increased its powder production such that it can produce
up to three million 18650 cylinders per quarter.
JUNE 15th, 2005
Draper Fisher Jurvetson Invests $250,000 in Bionic Harvest's
Human Powered Battery Charger
As part of Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) DFJ Venture Challenge, a venture funding university
contest, a group of students from CalTech with the name Bionic Harvest, were awarded $250,000 in seed funding to further develop
their microgenerator. That device, which brings backs the days of the generator-powered bicycle light, was designed to charge
batteries from human motion.
Robert Rogan of Bionic Harvest,had this to say about the award and
product, "Tapping the motion of the human body as a source of energy has the potential to revolutionize the status quo of
battery power. We're excited about the potential of our technology to impact people's lives and to change the way we think
about how small battery powered devices can be used. Winning this competition is a great kick-start for our business."
JUNE 9th, 2005
Electrovaya Annouces Shipment of New PowerPad Battery
- Offers 27 Hours of Charge Free Operation
Electrovaya Inc. (TSX:EFL) has begun shipment of its new PowerPad 300 - Phosphate series battery.
The Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery has a power rating of 300 Watt-hours and has been targeted toward the health care mobile
notebook computer market. In support of the battery, Electrovaya cited a statement from Rey Flores, Client Engineer - Microsoft
MVP and Editor of MobileGadgetNews.com, "In my initial tests, the PowerPad 300 ran some of my Notebook & Tablet PCs for
up to 27 hours of continuous run time. I consider the PowerPad 300 an excellent product for the mobility needs of a hospital
or any power needy road warrior!"
Dr. James. K. Jacobs, Chief Technology Officer of Electrovaya commented
on the company's line of batteries for different computer users needs, "With its proprietary Lithium Iron Phosphate based
chemistry, the PowerPad 300 - Phosphate series meets the objective of complete mobility for mobile computing. Electrovaya's
SuperPolymer(R) rechargeable battery technology is materials independent and we can incorporate most new materials as they
emerge. For small batteries, Electrovaya will continue to use industry standard Lithium cobalt oxide, which meets rigorous
requirements for the highest energy density. We are pleased to be in a position to commercialize this unique phosphate based
material invented by Dr. Goodenough and his team at the University of Texas, and further developed by groups in Canada,"
Electrovaya noted that the PowerPad 300 battery weighs less than
3 kilograms and has dimensions of 12X8.75X1.25 inches. The company states that the battery has run time of up to 24 hours
- which offers those that must be off the grid a reliable energy source as well as a reliable back-up source of power from
black-outs and other grid problems. The battery technology is based on a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) cathode powder from
Phostech Lithium Inc.
JUNE 1st, 2005
Ballard Signs $30 Million Agreement with EBARA for Home
Based Cogeneration Systems
Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSX:BLD) (NASDAQ:BLDP), EBARA Corporation EBARA BALLARD Corporation
have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to fund a cogeneration fuel stack and system technology. Ballard is
expected to receive $30 million in cash as part of the agreement. As part of the agreement, Ballard will receive $18 million
for the development of 1 kW combined heat and power generation fuel cell stack over a period of four years. Additionally,
Ballard will receive $11.7 million in two payments, one at the close of the agreement and another in 2006.
Ballard points out that their cogeneration systems are installed
at consumers' homes and are used to generate electricity and hot water at the same time. The cogeneration systems are planned
to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Japan as dictated by the Kyoto Protocol.
MAY 31st, 2005
MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc. was named 2005 Fuel Cell Entrepreneurial
Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan. MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc., a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Incorporated,
(NASDAQ:MKTY), developed the Mobion direct methanol micro fuel cell technology, a energy source designed for a variety of
portable electronic devices. The company indicates that a simple design was used in the fuel cell to manage water inside the
flow fuel cell - eliminating the need for a complex microfluidic network inside the fuel cell. In reference to a fuel cell
it provided to Intermec, a leader in the RF Reader market, MicroFuel stated, "The micro fuel cell was designed to deliver
up to five times the runtime of lithium-ion battery-based readers."
MAY 27th, 2005
Modine to Provide Fuel Cell Technology to Volkswagen
Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD), in order to commercialize Volkswagen’s fuel
cell hybrid vehicle, the Touran HyMotion, Modine is now supplying the company with its humidification and water management
components. According to Mark Baffa, Director of Modine's Fuel Cell Products Group, "This opportunity allows Modine and Volkswagen
to combine their years of expertise toward making fuel cell vehicle systems commercially viable." Modine also indicated that
the agreement was to extend over the next year to further optimize the components to be used in Volkswagen’s fuel systems.
MAY 24th, 2005
ZAP (OTCBB:ZAPZ), one of the leaders in the emission-free hybrid
auto market and Apollo Energy Systems have demonstrated a new method to power zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells. Apollo's
Alkaline Fuel cells, which have their roots in space exploration technology, are hydrogen fuel cells that are powered
from ammonia. Apollo's Ammonia Cracker fuel cell technology breaks down ammonia (NH3) into hydrogen, which as the company
explains is 75 percent hydrogen
With the fuel cell battery, a new inexpensive infrastructure,
according to Apollo, could be set up easily without the high cost of other proposed hydrogen fueling systems such as costly
hydrogen extractors. According to Mr. Robert Aronsson President of Apollo Energy Systems, "Ammonia fueling stations could
be set up at very little cost, as the infrastructure already exists throughout the country. By making weekly deliveries of
ammonia to gas stations in the 100 largest metropolitan areas of the U.S., ammonia distributors could reach 70 percent of
the population. Former plans, proposed by others, of equipping gas stations with mini-factories for producing hydrogen by
electrolysis at a cost of $1 million per gas station, could be replaced by this new, low-cost system. The new fueling system
would make it possible for thousands of ZAP Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars to operate throughout the country, silently, and with
zero emissions."
ZAP signed an exclusive licensing and distribution contract with
Apollo in 2004 for the patented Alkaline Fuel Cell, Ammonia Cracker and Lead-Cobalt battery technologies. ZAP and Apollo have
plans to develop a prototype Smart Car, which will be powered by a 60 kW Apollo Fuel Cell and have a 8.7 gallon Ammonia fuel
tank. That prototype is expected to have a cruising range of 200 miles without refueling - or in other words over 20 miles
of zero emissions free travel per gallon.
MAY 20th, 2005
A hybrid vehicle, billed as a concept plug-in hybrid vehicle or
PHEV, developed by EnergyCS and Valence Technology won first place position in the modified hybrid category for fuel efficiency
at the Tour de Sol's Monte Carlo-style Rally. The fuel efficiency award was based on its energy performance, which was measured
at 102 miles per gallon (MPG) and nine kilowatt-hours. Besides that award, the EnergyCS-Valence PHEV also won the Innovative
Technology award.
The award-winning hybrid vehicle is based on Valence Technology's
metal-free safe Saphion lithium-ion batteries. EnergyCS, an alternative consulting and prototype company, is associated with
Clean-Tech LLC through EDrive Systems. The two companies partnered to form EDrive Systems, LLC and plan to offer EnergyCS
PHEV conversion kits based on Valence's Saphion batteries in early 2006.
MAY 17th, 2005
Ovonic Licenses NiMH Technology to China's BYD Company
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) (NASDAQ:ENER) through its subsidiary, Ovonic
Battery Company, Inc., has granted a nonexclusive license to BYD Company Limited, a company based in Shenzhen. The agreement
gives BYD the right to manufacture and sell Ovonic's nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries for nonpropulsion applications.
The license is part of Ovonic's plan to enter the Chinese market.
According to Robert C. Stempel, Chairman of Ovonic Battery, "We are pleased to grant BYD access to recent Ovonic patents and
advanced technology. We have watched BYD's rapid growth in nickel metal hydride over the last few years and, as part of our
strategy to participate in the growing Chinese economy, we hope to assist their efforts in developing premium performance
nickel metal hydride products."
MAY 13th, 2005
HyRadix, Inc., which through its Adeo reformer has supplied SunLine
Transit (Palm Desert, CA) its hydrogen supply for a year, has completed a new round of financing. Investors included Koch
Genesis Company LLC, the lead investor, Caisse de depot et placement and SAM Sustainable Asset Management AG.
Robert L. Gray, Jr., CEO of HyRadix indicated that the funding has freed
the company to commercialize its renewable energy products, "With this round of financing, HyRadix is fully funded to
implement its planned business activities. We can now focus our efforts on commercializing our Aptus, Adeo, and Agilon hydrogen
generation products. HyRadix will also continue to pursue strategic relationships that add value to the company. There are
a number of excellent opportunities which can expand our business further and HyRadix will continue to identify and evaluate
these relationships."
The funding amount was not disclosed.
MAY 11th, 2005
Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: MXWL) with the release of its
first quarter financials indicates that it sees no let up in the demand for its products - specifically its high voltage capacitors.
The company states that demand from electric utilities, the automotive market and the weather satellite market are expected
to accelerate revenue growth. According to Dr. Richard Balanson, Maxwell's President, "We are penetrating key strategic markets,
as evidenced by major contract wins in Q1 for automotive ultracapacitor modules with the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium
and single board computers for Northrop Grumman, the prime contractor for the next generation weather satellite program, both
of which created new, ongoing revenue streams. In addition, global demand for our high voltage capacitors for electric utility
infrastructure continues the growth trend that began in the second half of last year."
Balanson also stated that ultracapacitor revenue doubled quarter-to-quarter,
to approximately $2.5 million in the first quarter, driven by production ramps that are expected to sustain continuing rapid
growth, "The rate of growth in demand for ultracapacitor-based energy storage and power delivery solutions is accelerating,
and continues to outpace our previously announced initiatives to increase production capacity and improve efficiency. We are
stepping up our investments in facilities, product development and process improvements to close that gap and move the company
toward profitability."
Maxwell reported revenue of $9.8 million for its first quarter ended
March 31, 2005, a 15 percent sequential gain over the $8.5 million recorded in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004.
MAY 10th, 2005
Intersil Announces Universal Battery Charger
Chips Intersil Corporation (NASDAQ:ISIL) released two battery charger chips intended for notebook
and portable electronic device applications. The two chips, the ISL6251 and ISL6255, feature the following: +/-0.5 percent
voltage regulation accuracy, +/-3 percent full charging current accuracy, a programmable adapter current limit and charge
voltage, and a 7V to 25V input voltage range, which permits the device to be used with a variety of different battery types
such as lithium ion, nickel-metal hydride, and nickel-cadmium (NiCd). The company indicates that the devices allow for safer
operation and improved battery life primarily because of the accuracy of the devices. Furthermore, Intersil states that the
chips permit the use of lower cost and smaller AC adapters for a complete design.
The ISL6251 in a quad flat no-lead
(QFN) package is priced at $2.25 and the ISL6255HRZ (QFN) is $2.75 - quantities, 1000.
Intersil, a mixed signal integrated
circuit company, offers a wide range of power management chips. These include battery management, hot-interchange controllers,
linear voltage regulators, power MOSFET drivers, supervisors, and switching DC / DC regulators. In addition, the company produces
analog switches and multiplexers, crosspoint switches, data converters, DSL line drivers, operational amplifiers, optical
storage laser diode drivers, and chips for VoIP applications.
MAY 3rd, 2005
ZAP (OTCBB:ZAPZ), which has tripled purchase orders this year to
the $750 million dollar market, plans to triple the run time of its three and four wheeled vehicles through an agreement with
Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:ABAT). Initial tests have shown that ABAT's Lithium Polymer batteries will increase
the run time of ZAP's autos by a factor of three times when compared to Lead-Acid batteries.
ZAP CEO Steve Schneider pointed to other benefits of the new type
of battery, "We look forward to the weight reduction and range extension we expect from the ABAT battery technology. Our research
has indicated that another vehicle company in Japan has already found success with their technology. On our recent trip tip
to China we road-tested several of their vehicles, ranging from scooters to a complete Lithium powered electric bus. We are
continuing to expand our electric transportation product line at all levels, from personal to public transportation. We are
also exploring the possibility of making an electric version of the Smart Car."
Zhiguo Fu, Chairman of ABAT, on the other hand, spoke about the
retrofit status phase of the agreement, "The first shipment of ZAP vehicles has already arrived, and our engineering team
is working to install and range-test the vehicles provided. We're very pleased to have ZAP as our strategic partner and we
believe that our new relationship will accelerate the introduction of our advanced lithium polymer batteries into the U.S.
electric vehicle market."
APRIL 29th, 2005
ZAP Enters Electronic Device Battery Market as Car Orders
Approach $1 Billion Dollar Mark
ZAP (OTCBB:ZAPZ), the Zero Air Pollution company, through its ZAP Energy division, has entered
into a distribution agreement with Target Corporation, one of the United States' largest retailers. As part of the agreement,
Target is to distribute ZAP's high energy density portable battery products. The battery products, now available on-line at
Targets web site, are reported to offer four times the power of typical portable batteries. The ZAP smart charge controller,
which determines and delivers the correct voltage level needed for a device, give ZAP's batteries the capability to power
a wide range of electronic devices -from cell phones to laptops.
ZAP CEO Steve Schneider discussed the importance of the agreement,
"The distribution agreement will enable us to leverage Target's superior brand value and its reputation for innovative design
and products to obtain wide exposure for ZAP's advanced Portable Energy products. Our battery products offer unique and significant
advantages over other products on the market. Target's powerful distribution capabilities will help us move more quickly into
the red-hot electronics market with our unique solutions. We are excited that our battery line is catching the interest of
mass retailers such as Target. ZAP Portable Energy helps keep disposable batteries from entering the waste stream and helps
the Company expand its efforts towards creating larger-format batteries for our advanced electric vehicle drive trains."
ZAP's success in the energy market has been underscored with record
orders growth. The company, which just a few weeks ago reported breaking the $200 million mark and then the $500 million purchase
order mark, now has indicated that orders have continued to rocket past the $750 million mark.
ZAP has also recently announced that the Smart Car Americanized
by ZAP has been cleared for sale in the United States. Mr. Schneider commented on the implications for the company, "ZAP is
thrilled to announce that with the receipt of an official letter of notification from the U.S. Department of Transportation,
the Smart Car has now received all federal approvals necessary for sale in the United States. This is the final step in ZAP's
initiative to create an advanced transportation distribution network to meet the growing demand by American consumers for
automobiles that will meet their transportation needs while cutting gas expenditures, and also helping to reduce polluting
emissions. Dealers have been clamoring for more energy-efficient vehicles options, and ZAP is preparing to supply them from
various manufacturers."
APRIL 6th, 2005
Slow battery charge time, which has been an obstacle for consumer
acceptance of hybrid cars and portable electronic devices such as laptop computers, has apparently been overcome, Toshiba
Corp. at the end of March announced that its has developed a battery that can be recharged to the 80 percent level
within one minute, which is estimated to be about 60 times faster than most present day lithium batteries. The battery design
is largely attributed to nanomaterial technology.
Toshiba has indicated that the battery is expected to be first used
in hybrid vehicles, when Toshiba brings the product to market sometime in 2006. A prototype of the battery measures
3.8mm thick, 62mm high and 35mm deep and has a capacity of 600mAh.
APRIL 6th, 2005
On the heels of Toshiba's one-minute rechargeable announcement,
comes news that Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTI) has entered into a battery agreement with Advanced Battery Technologies,
Inc. (OTC BB: ABAT). The agreement relates to the integration of Altair's battery electrode nanomaterials into ABAT's
polymer battery products. The resultant batteries are expected to be used in electric car and bus applications. Altair
Nanotechnologies CEO Dr. Alan J. Gotcher commented, "In our first of multiple market applications for Altair's nanotechnology-based
battery electrode materials, we are delighted to partner with a company such as ABAT for the electric vehicle market in China."
Altair's lithium ion battery electrode materials are noted for rapid recharge cycles.
MARCH 28th, 2005
Axion Power International, which has developed prototypes of a new
hybrid battery for UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems, has obtained proceeds of $2.8 million in cash and $1 million
in debt settlements from the sale of its 8 % Convertible Senior Preferred Stock and common stock purchase warrants.
Charles Mazzacato, the company's chief executive officer said, "Since inception, we have been engaged in fabricating and testing
a series of evaluation prototypes that range from simple E3 Supercells to complex laboratory prototype power systems constructed
from multiple E3 Supercells. Over the last several months, we have conducted extensive in-house testing of our laboratory
prototype systems in cooperation with our joint development partners. We are very excited about the results.
Axion's supercapacitive hybrid electrical energy storage device
technology, called E3 Supercells, is based on two nanoporous carbon electrodes, which differs from lead-acid batteries, which
are based on two lead electrodes. Besides the fact that such a battery could offer a solution to the environmental problems
lead based products pose, the E3 Supercell technology is expected to result in batteries that will outperform and outlast
lead-acid based batteries. The E3 Supercell is planned to deliver a charge three to five times faster than a lead-acid
battery, have three to four times charge / deep discharge cycles, and maintain its performance level ever after repetitive
90 percent discharge cycles. Additionally, Axion indicates that the carbon electrode based battery will require minimum
maintenance.
The segments of the communications markets that Axion has
planned to address with its E3 products include the UPS and DC power systems. Axion also indicates that the second
target market is the energy storage and buffering systems market for alternative and conventional grid-connected electric
utilities. The third target market is high performance power systems for hybrid automobiles. Axion has also considered other
vehicle markets such as forklifts, wheelchairs and golf carts. The company hasn't indicated if the electric bicycle,
hybrid motorcycle or electric scooter and skateboard were potential markets for the E3 product.
MARCH
24th, 2005
Flywheel Based Energy Storage Technology Company Accumulates
$10 Million
Flywheel
based energy systems provider Pentadyne Power Corporation has completed a follow-on close to its Series C funding round. The
financing adds $10 million more to the $8 million it already raised from its initial Series C round The follow-on round was
led by Rustic Canyon Partners.
Pentadyne
plans to use the funds to further its product commercialization efforts through Emerson Network Power/Liebert, a market leader
in the area of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). One of Emerson Network Power's latest products is the Liebert FS Advanced
Flywheel Energy Storage System, which is used as a replacement for lead acid batteries in Liebert UPS products.
Flywheel
technology has gained market recognition for several reasons. These include the capability of flywheels to provide transparent
power system transition from the utility grid to a generator during a power black-out, the ability to provide better quality
power from utility grids (protection from short lived power drop outs and transients) and as a safer power backup system than
lead-acid batteries, especially in chemically intensive, fire prone industrial environments.
MARCH 22nd, 2005
The Florida Hydrogen Initiative has granted ENER1(OTC Bulletin Board:
ENEI) a contract worth $550,000 to develop a renewable energy source to power a rest stop on an interstate highway. Known
as the HyTech Rest Area, it will powered with ENER1's 10 Kilowatt fuel cell - which runs on methanol created from the Florida's
two largest industries - oranges and theme parks. Orange peels will be converted to methanol along with the left-overs from
theme parks like DisneyWorld. The fuel will then power the center, which will be used to further spread the message of self-sustainable
and ecosystem balanced, energy economies. The facility is expected to open in 18 months. If oil prices don't drop, the facility
may receive more than just a welcome response - but may give Floridians ideas about how to turn their oranges into orange
gold.
MARCH 21st, 2005
Out of England arrives the first fuel cell motorbike. Intelligent
Energy Holdings, Plc., a London based energy company introduced the ENV, billed as the first fuel-cell motorbike. According
to the CEO of Intelligent Energy Holdings, Dr. Harry Bradbury, "People soon will be able to use a bike like ENV, leaving work
in the city, then driving to the countryside, detaching the CORE and re-attaching it to another vehicle, such as a motorboat,
before using it to power a log cabin. The very same fuel cell then could be re-charged from a mini hydrogen creator, the size
of a shoebox. The launch of ENV breaks new ground and opens an entire new field of opportunities for low- and high-power fuel
cell motorbikes."
The motorbike, which is said to exceed the performance of any other
electric bikes, has a top speed of 50 mph. To those who don't want to disturb the peace and quiet of the countryside, while
zooming down an off-road trail at over 50 mph, the motorbike is for all practical purposes, silent. It has a noise emissions
rating of your typical home computer. One can also travel up to four hours before refueling.
MARCH 16th, 2005
Techtium Plans to Increase Portable Device Battery Power Life
Energizer Holdings, Inc.
(NYSE:ENR), a company with major operations in the manufacturing and distribution of alkaline and lithium primary batteries,
and Techtium Ltd., based in Israel, have
entered into a Joint Cooperation Agreement. The two companies plan to develop hybrid battery solutions based on Techtium's
power management integrated circuit and hybrid battery technology. The two companies have been in talks with major portable
device companies, which include laptop, cellular and audio companies about the use of their solution to increase the battery
power life. Portable devices, although handy, often run out of power too quickly, which can be an inconvenience.
Energizer's Chief Technology
Officer, Dan Carpenter stated, "We are extremely pleased to align with Techtium, Ltd., a pioneer and leader in the development
of hybrid batteries and integrated power management solutions. Our plan is that, together, we can quickly integrate power
solutions for today's and tomorrow's portable electronic devices."
MARCH 14th, 2005
U.S. House of Representatives Approves $65 Million for Fuel Cell Research for Bus Technology
WestStart-CALSTART, an advanced
transportation technologies consortium, won a major political victory as the House voted to approve $65 million in funding
for research and development of technologies used to make fuel cell based buses more economically viable. The funding is included
in the TEA-LU bill as funding for the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Initiative (NFCBTI)
WestStart-CALSTART's President and CEO, John Boesel thanked several members of Congress for their support. These included
Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN); Congresswoman Rob Simmons (R-CT); Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA); and Congresswoman
Mary Bono (R-CA).
Industry Organizations that supported the NFCBTI initiative included AC Transit, Air Products and Chemicals, Ballard,
Boeing, CEO Coalition to Advance Sustainable Technologies, Cobasys, Donaldson, Ebus, Inc., ECD Ovonics, Enova Systems, Environmental & Energy Study Institute, Hydrogenics, H2Gen,
Idatech, ISE Research, Millenium Cell, National Hydrogen Association, North American Bus Industries, Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium, Nuvera Fuel Cells, Pi Technology, Quantum Technologies, Solectria
Corporation, SunLine Transit, Thor Industries, Tri-Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet), U.S. Fuel Cell
Council, U.S. Hybrid Corporation, UTC Fuel Cells and WestStart-CALSTART.
The cost for the total transportation
measure, which includes the $65 million for fuel cell bus funding, is $284-billion. The senate is now required to vote on
the funding initiative. For more information on the NFCBTI program, one can visits
CALSTART's NFCBTI information page at http://www.calstart.org/programs/FuelCell/NFCBTI_backgrounder.pdf.
FEBRUARY 24th, 2005
Ultracapacitors Energize Maxwell’s Revenue Growth
Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: MXWL) has projected that its fourth quarter, 2004 revenue will reach $8.5 million,
up more than 25 percent sequentially. The company foresees continued growth in its first quarter of 2005. Maxwell says that revenue growth is across all products lines, but specifically pointed to its Ulltracapacitor
sales, which increased 20 percent sequentially. Maxwell says that demand for
its large cell Ultracapacitors is a couple of quarters ahead of its plans to increase production capacity. The Ultracapacitors
are used in hybrid bus drive trains and wind energy applications.
JANUARY 27th, 2005
New
Nanotechnology Material May Boost Battery Efficiency 10 Fold
In Japan, the National Institute of Advanced
Industrial Science and Technology was reported to have developed a nanotechnology material that would increase the power density
of a lithium-ion rechargeable battery by a factor of 10. The material is related
to titan oxide.
JANUARY 26th, 2005
Active Power, Inc., announced its revenue increased 98 percent for
its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004 over the same period last year. Revenues for the fourth quarter were $4.8
million. For the full year, revenues were $15.8 million, up 78 percent over 2003 levels.
Active Power designs, manufactures and markets a flywheel energy
storage system. This system offers an alternative to battery based back up systems. The system besides a safer back-up system
also provides cleaner power. The flywheel will kick in when the utility grid fails, even if for only a few seconds.
Semiconductor manufacturers are a major market for the product.
Chip companies must protect delicate process equipment from power spikes. As well chip companies prefer to keep potentially
lead acid based battery back-up systems away from their expensive capital investments.
JANUARY 20th, 2005
CAP-XX NanoTechnology Based SuperCapacitor Battery
Wins Award
The World Economic Forum named CAP-XX Inc a 2005 Technology Pioneer
for its supercapacitor technology. These capacitors, are used in portable battery systems and solar cell based electronic
systems to supply peak (high burst) power currents - effectively extending the life and reducing the necessary battery size
required. CAP-XX has shipped over 500,000 of its supercapacitors since it began production three years ago.
JANUARY 18th, 2005
New Energy Source Based on Synthesized Cell Biology
From The Nikkei Weekly comes Japan’s latest technology. The
Nihon Keizai Shimbun's survey of technological achievements included a potential life like power source for micromachines.
The Tokyo Institute of Technology and Hamamatsu Phontonics KK have artificially produced adenosine triphosphate (ATP). If
one remembers back to high school biology, ATP is the chemical that living creatures create from the consumption of food.
The capability to synthesize the device with an instrument or micromachine, for that matter, could open up a range of new
power applications. The survey also reported on a biometric chip from Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., which not only
read fingerprints but also determine who the person is.
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