ITM POWER PLC - Technical Update
21 Março 2005 - 4:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
ITM POWER PLC - Technical Update Strictly embargoed 07.00: 21 March
2005 ITM POWER PLC LAUNCH OF ITM'S FIRST WORKING DUAL LIQUID
FUELLED FUEL CELL ITM Power ("ITM" or "the Company"), which aims to
provide the enabling technology for the hydrogen economy, today
announces that it has successfully demonstrated an alkaline solid
polymer fuel cell using ITM's unique alkaline membrane technology
operating by using two liquids: a liquid fuel and a liquid oxidant.
This demonstration device is an additional strong indication of the
diversity and commercial potential of ITM's core materials and
processes and significantly broadens the potential addressable
markets for future licensing deals. The device was built to
demonstrate the application of ITM's technology to a micro-fuel
cell, a size that could be compatible with use for instance in a
hand held telecommunication or other portable electronic devices.
It has the potential to be operated at high energy density at room
temperature using a safe fuel / oxidant combination: sodium
boro-hydride (non-flammable, as it is used as a solution in water)
and hydrogen peroxide (a similar dilution to an antiseptic which
you can buy at a high street chemist). Using two liquids enables
the device to operate at high altitudes, such as in an aircraft; in
polluted environments (including the presence of carbon monoxide in
atmospheric air), as well as underwater. Additionally, ITM has
developed and filed a UK patent on a new early warning system,
which indicates when the liquid fuelled fuel cell is in need of
refueling. The system consists of a colour indicator that allows
the colour of the fuel (or the oxidant) to change as the material
is exhausted, giving an early warning of the need to re-charge the
device. Previously, the rapid drop in performance was the only
means of detecting that the fuel needed re-charging. UK patent
applications have been made to include: the early warning refueling
colour indicator and a sealed refueling cassette designed
specifically to enable the rapid and convenient refueling of fuel
cells operating using one (or two) liquids. Jim Heathcote, CEO of
ITM Power commented: "It is central to ITM's approach that the
technology it develops should be actually useable, and it must
therefore be robust and easy to refuel using non-hazardous
materials. This new system offers a route to a rapid, safe and
convenient refueling process without which such fuel cells will not
become commercially successful. The present technical demonstration
clearly indicates ITM's commitment to increasing its value by
expanding its intellectual property, whilst concentrating firmly on
technologies necessary to make fuel cells both cost effective and
attractive to commercial customers." Please call the following if
you wish to either arrange for a demonstration of the technical
device or for further information: Media and Analysts Institutional
Investors Private Client Brokers Gemma Chandler / John West David
Rae / Katherine Roe Simon Hudson Tavistock Communications Durlacher
City Insights Tel: 020 7920 3150 Tel: 020 7459 3600 Tel: 020 7920
3190 END DATASOURCE: ITM POWER PLC
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