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Argonne and H2fuel, LLC will undertake a joint research project that could help make fuel cells a practical means of powering electric cars.
Fuel cells -- powered by hydrogen -- have long been known to have great potential for transportation. As fuel cells grow in popularity as clean energy sources, the need for a ready supply of hydrogen fuel will also rise. To meet that need, scientists in Argonne's Chemical Technology Division (CMT) have been working with H2fuel, LLC, as part of a cooperative research and development agreement.
The goal is to develop a compact, low-cost hydrogen generator incorporating technologies developed at CMT. This device would convert commonly available fuels like gasoline, natural gas, propane and methanol into hydrogen gas for use in powering fuel cells, which in turn can power electric motors for use in a variety of applications, including automobiles.
Advantages of fuel cells include their ability to generate power more efficiently than internal combustion engines and other conventional power sources, while producing essentially no pollutants. More than two dozen companies are now developing polymer electrolyte fuel cells for such diverse applications as cars, trucks, campers, laptop computers, individual homes and small businesses.
One of the main barriers to commercialization, however, has been that most fuel cells require hydrogen gas to operate. At present, hydrogen is expensive and not readily available to consumers. Argonne's innovative fuel processing technology could very well eliminate that obstacle.
A new company, H2fuel was formed in January 2001 to commercialize fuel processors that generate low-cost hydrogen for fuel cells. It is a joint venture between Unitel Technologies in Mount Prospect, Ill., and Avista Labs in Spokane, Wash.
According to Serge Randhava, President of H2fuel, "Our goal is to supply the smallest, most efficient, and least expensive fuel processor to the fuel cell industry. We will be a component supplier to any fuel cell system developer, and we are excited to have gained access to this breakthrough technology."
The Chemical Technology Division has been at the forefront of fuel cell and fuel processing research for more than two decades. With funding from the Department of Energy's Office of Advanced Automotive Technologies, a CMT team has been developing unique catalysts and reforming processes to be used in light-duty vehicles, like cars and small trucks, powered by fuel cells.
As part of the cooperative R&D agreement, H2fuel has built a fuel processor designed by CMT. Subsequent testing demonstrated its fuel flexibility and excellent hydrogen-production capability. Through a series of catalytic reactions, this first-generation unit converted gasoline, pipeline natural gas and ethanol into a gas containing about 45 percent hydrogen. Over the next two years, H2fuel and CMT will further improve this processor to the point where it is ready to enter the marketplace.
"Our pioneering investment in the development of fuel-flexible fuel processing technology for a variety of fuel cell applications is beginning to pay off," said David Garman, the Department of Energy's assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Added JoAnn Milliken, DOE's manager of the national laboratory fuel cell R&D program, "Through the DOE fuel cells for transportation program, the national laboratories will continue to play a major role in overcoming the technical challenges for development of fuel cell technology."
A silent auction of "white elephants" takes place at Argonne-West through Friday, Sept. 14 to benefit the United Way.
A prize will be given to the person donating the most unusual item; the prize drawing will be held Sept. 14.
Other upcoming United Way events include a car wash on Friday, Aug. 24, and a fun run/walk on Wednesday, Sept. 12.
Argonne will hold a symposium to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Enrico Fermi Friday, Sept. 28.
The celebration at Argonne-East is one of several being planned around the date of his birth, which is Sept. 29. The symposium will honor the pioneering physicist -- Argonne's first director -- and take note of his many contributions to the birth of nuclear energy and its related benefits to mankind.
Details will appear in future editions of Argonne News and on the Argonne News Web site (See "On the Web," page 2).
A pre-retirement planning program designed for employees approaching retirement within the next few years will be offered at Argonne-East in the near future.
The program will provide information about Argonne retirement benefits, distribution options, Social Security and Medicare, financial planning and estate planning.
To be put on a list for the seminars, call Julie Gotchie (HR) at ext. 2-2992.
Work crews from the DuPage County Forest Preserve District have begun work on a Westgate Road crossing for a new hiking/biking trail in the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve that surrounds Argonne-East.
The work consists of excavation and paving along a portion of Westgate Road. Some traffic interruptions will occur. This work is expected to take several weeks to complete; employees are encouraged to use Northgate Road during this period.
Employees using Westgate Road should obey posted speed limits and pay close attention to construction signs and flaggers' instructions.
The "End of Summer" RIAfest -- RIA standing for "Rock in Argonne" -- will be held in Argonne Park Saturday, Sept. 22 from noon to 11 p.m.
In response to the popularity of the first outdoor music festival, an expanded lineup of bands will perform.
Beer will be available for purchase. No food will be provided, but grills are available.
At least four bands are scheduled to play, ranging in style from `70s rock, Chicago blues, fusion and a Russian group that describes its sound as similar to the Dave Matthews band.
The organizers are still looking for other performers; those interested should contact Alex Deriy or Eric Lindert (both PHY) at ext. 2-4115.
To support the development of nuclear fusion as an energy source, Argonne-East will host the 10th International Advanced Research Workshop on Hydrogen Isotope Recycling at Plasma Facing Materials in Fusion Reactors on Aug. 22-24.
Ahmed Hassanein (ET) will chair the NATO-sponsored workshop. Experts from more than a dozen countries will discuss the selection of construction materials for use in fusion reactors. Nuclear fusion, if realized, could provide a safe, nearly inexhaustible source of energy.
NATO only grants such advanced research workshops to leading researchers at world-class institutions. This is the second time in a row that the workshop is being held at Argonne.
Yoga classes for new and continuing participants will be offered at Argonne-East beginning Monday, Aug. 20.
The classes promise improvements in circulation, flexibility, strength, relaxation and stress management.
Classes will be taught by Anita Scandurra, exercise physiologist at St. Francis Hospital, Blue Island. She is a certified yoga instructor.
The summer session starts the week of Aug. 20; the fall session starts the week of Oct. 9. Class sizes are limited.
Classes for new participants are held Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. and 5:15 - 6:05 p.m. The cost is $20 for the five-week program.
Classes for continuing participants will be held Tuesdays from 12:30 -1:20 p.m. and Mondays from 5:15 - 6:05 p.m. Cost is $30 for five weeks.
To register, contact Scandurra at (847) 733-1417 or wellfirst@aol.com. Leave name, extension and session preference.
Classes are presented by Argonne's Preventive Health and Wellness Program.
David W. Green (CMT-AC), retired July 16 with 28 years of service.
Maxine Klossner (FAC), retired July 27 with 13 years of service.
Dee Wernette (DIS), retired July 16 with 21 years of service.
