Fuel Cell, Hydrogen Activity Database Available

Fuel Cells 2000 and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have created a new database that catalogues initiatives, policy, and partnerships in the fuel cell and hydrogen field. The searchable database documents fuel cell and hydrogen activity such as installments, demonstrations, and legislation taking place in the United States.

Currently forty-seven states and the District of Columbia have at least one ongoing fuel cell or hydrogen project or activity. The database lists only existing installation projects, vehicle demonstrations, and hydrogen fueling stations and those that have already expired. Fuel Cells 2000 has a link on its Web site for more information concerning those fuel cell and hydrogen projects that are still in the planning stages.

The state fuel cell and hydrogen database allows users to search for relevant information and activities within individual states, groups of states, and nationwide. The database offers several user-friendly search options including a clickable map where the user need only click the state he or she wishes to research. Advanced search options include fuel cell power ranges, fuel cell manufacturers, and fuel cell project names. Many state activity entries include project images and related links. The fuel cell and hydrogen database can be found at http://fuelcells.org/statedatabase.html.

In a related story, the U.S. Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) recently published guidelines for testing seal materials for fuel cells. Created by the USFCC's Gasket Focus Group, the document is meant to facilitate those working with gasket design, specification, and qualification.

"As fuel cell manufacturers continue to improve system reliability, the importance of durable seals becomes more pronounced," said Robert Wichert, USFCC Technical Director. "Use of this document will facilitate standard language pertaining to sealing systems (definitions, materials, and test methods). It is intended to enable successful material selection by addressing key performance metrics."

The gasket guidance document is free to download on the U.S. Fuel Cell Council Web site (www.usfcc.com).

Fuel Cells 2000 was created by Breakthrough Technologies Institute (BTI), a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the development and commercialization of fuel cells and efficient-energy technologies and fuels. Please visit the Fuel Cells 2000 Web site for more information (www.fuelcells.org).