|
LATHAM, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2003 -- Plug Power Inc. has announced a $3.9 million program award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The award is part of NIST's Advanced Technology Program (ATP) and is for research and development of stationary fuel cells. Plug Power expects to receive approximately $1.8 million in net funding from NIST during the two year, cost-share program.
Plug Power will pursue a combination of four next-generation technologies intended to enhance performance and reduce the cost of the Company's future fuel cell system designs.
Specific projects will include: development of a sophisticated power control system utilizing digital signal processing, incorporation of carbon nanotube materials designed to improve stack performance, development of hydrogen supply techniques for addressing the intermittent demands of surge power, and advanced humidity management control schemes for improved fuel cell stack reliability.
"Developing fuel cells and getting them into the marketplace to produce energy is vital," said New York Senator Charles E. Schumer. "NIST's decision to make this award to Plug Power couldn't come at a better time, and will help ensure that our energy needs are met in a safe, reliable, and environmentally sound way."
"Once again, the federal government has recognized Plug Power's ongoing commitment to finding innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally-sound solutions to the nation's energy needs," said Congressman Mike McNulty (D- Green Island). "I am especially encouraged by the joint agreement between Plug Power and Albany NanoTech on a portion of this project. These types of collaborative efforts, coupled with federal dollars, will help the Capital District cement its status as a center for hi-tech research and development -- and help stabilize and grow our regional economy."
"We are pleased to have been selected to pursue these innovative technologies with NIST that have the potential to significantly simplify system design and reduce costs," said Dr. John F. Elter, Plug Power Vice President of Research and System Architecture.
Plug Power is partnering with Albany NanoTech at the State University of New York at Albany to develop the incorporation of nano-structured materials as part of this project.
About ATP
ATP provides cost-shared funding to industry-led teams, which can include non-profits and universities to help advance particularly challenging, high-risk R&D projects that have the potential to spark important, broad-based economic or social benefits for the United States. The program supports projects that industry cannot fully fund on its own because of significant technical risks. ATP awards are made on the basis of rigorous, competitive peer review of the scientific and technical merit of each proposal. Further information about ATP is available at www.atp.nist.gov.
About Plug Power
Plug Power Inc. designs, manufactures and markets proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells for stationary applications. Plug Power's strategic partners include GE Fuel Cell Systems, DTE Energy Technologies, Vaillant GmbH, Honda R&D Co., Ltd., Engelhard Corporation and Celanese Ventures. The Company's headquarters are located in Latham, N.Y., with offices in Washington, D.C., and The Netherlands.
| 
Articles 
| View all PennWell sites | View all PennWell events
Add RSS Feed
