Source: Fuel Cell Today

October 7, 2009. In the fourth quarter of 2009, Heliocentris will launch the Heliocentris Nexa® 1200, a completely new fuel cell module developed by Heliocentris based on the FCgen 1020 ACS stack from Ballard, with a power output of 1.2 kW.
As a partner of Ballard Power Systems, Heliocentris has sold the Nexa® Power Module around the world for the past five years. Heliocentris has integrated the fuel cell modules in training systems and numerous turnkey projects. For independent integration of the fuel cell module by the customer, Heliocentris also developed matching integration components. More than five years of experience in sales and servicing created the ideal basis for development of a proprietary system.
A new generation of modules
The goal of the Heliocentris development team was to create a follow-up generation for the popular fuel cell module that can not only match the power output of the former system, but also offer significant improvements. "The development of a mere replacement was never a desirable goal for us," says Klaus Rupprecht, Head of Product Development.
The parasitic power consumption could be reduced by up to 50%, thus significantly increasing the overall system efficiency of the Heliocentris Nexa 1200 as compared with the former model. This was achieved by the concept of atmospheric air supply in combination with the air-cooled stack.
Whilst the old Nexa® Power Module requires a compressor and a fan for the supply of reaction and cooling air, the Heliocentris Nexa 1200 uses a single fan on the back of the system drawing in ambient air for even distribution through the entire system. In addition to improved cooling, this made it possible to eliminate components such as a compressor or cooling water pump, which cause significant parasitic loads.
The system is therefore especially suitable for applications requiring long operating times with a limited hydrogen supply, for example in backup systems for standalone photovoltaic systems or uninterrupted power supply systems.   
Optimized for easy integration
The fully integrated Heliocentris Nexa® 1200 contains all system components in a stable plastic housing, which also functions as a component rack and air baffle system. Inadvertent manipulation or short circuits on the stack, which can be caused by falling objects, are not possible. It is not necessary to enclose the system prior to integration. In this respect, the Heliocentris Nexa® 1200 eliminates complex integration processes. "Solely for the purpose of directed dissipation of cooling air, many of our customers have integrated the system from Ballard in a box," explains Klaus Rupprecht; "with the Heliocentris Nexa® 1200 we have already solved this problem. The air outlet is designed for easy attachment of an exhaust air duct. Draining the water accumulated during the reaction is also facilitated. It evaporates with the cooling air." It is therefore not necessary to drain the water from the application.
The Heliocentris Nexa® 1200 has a central interface unit on the back. With respect to orientation of the fuel cell module in the application, the system is likewise more flexible. While the system from Ballard could be installed only in upright position, the Heliocentris Nexa® 1200 can be installed vertically, horizontally and over head. The profile rails embedded in the housing enable easy mounting of the system in upright or suspended position. The system is also optimized for integration in 19" racks.   
Fit for the series
For use in series applications the fuel cell module fulfills the requirements of integrators. The system is equipped with an internal safety loop allowing also for integration of external components, such as an external hydrogen warning system, and conforms to the fuel cell standard EN 62282. Simple maintenance tasks, such as changing filters, can even be carried out by the user. An integrated error memory facilitates diagnosis in the event of an outage.
Availability
The Heliocentris Nexa® 1200 will be available in Europe starting the fourth quarter of 2009, initially as a lab system. Markets outside of Europe will be covered by the end of the first quarter of 2010. In addition to the fuel cell module, the product bundle includes a start-up kit for fast and easy system start-up, as well as monitoring software. An optional electronic load can also be purchased from Heliocentris.
Toward the end of the first quarter of 2010 Heliocentris will also offer an Overall System Controller (OSC) for the control of complex energy systems, consisting of several sources and drains, and a DC converter for battery hybridization.
Technical data
Dimensions
Width x Depth x Height    400 x 550 x 220 mm
Weight    ca. 22 kg
Stack     Model    FCgen™ 1020 ACS
Construction    PEM, air cooled, open cathode
Power output   
Rated power    1,200 W
Rated current    52 A
Output voltage    23 …36V
Fuel   
Hydrogen quality    99.95% or higher
Hydrogen consumption     15 slpm (at rated output)
Air flow rate     3000 slpm (at rated output and 30°C ambient temperature)

Source: Fuel Cell Today

October 1^st  2009. Italy-based fuel cell developer Electro Power Systems has announced that it has received CSA certification for the U.S. market for the company's Electro6 unit.
CSA certification is administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and is used and accepted across North America and is found on over 1 billion products worldwide. According to the firm, this accreditation will allow the company to begin commercialisation activities in the North American market, particularly in the United States where Electro has begun hiring technical and sales professionals.