Aisin Seiki 6 0 Kw Natural Gasfired Engine Cogeneration Unit

This report, commissioned by Ceres, is the first comprehensive assessment of how 63 of the world's largest consumer and information technology companies are preparing themselves to meet the colossal challenge of climate change. The report includes 11 industry sectors -- Apparel, Beverages, Big Box Retailers, Grocery & Drug Retailers, Personal & Household Goods, Pharmaceuticals, Real Estate, Restaurants, Semiconductors, Technology and Travel & Leisure.

From the late-1960’s, perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSAs) ionomers have dominated the PEM fuel cell industry as the membrane material of choice. The “gold standard’ amongst the many variations that exist today has been, and to a great extent still is, DuPont’s Nafion® family of materials. However, there is significant concern in the industry that these materials will not meet the cost, performance, and durability requirementsnecessary to drive commercialization in key market segments – es- cially automotive. Indeed, Honda has already put fuel cell vehicles in the hands of real end users that have home-grown fuel cell stack technology incorporating hydrocarbon-based ionomers. “Polymer Membranes in Fuel Cells” takes an in-depth look at the new chem- tries and membrane technologies that have been developed over the years to address the concerns associated with the materials currently in use. Unlike the PFSAs, which were originally developed for the chlor-alkali industry, the more recent hydrocarbon and composite materials have been developed to meet the specific requirements of PEM Fuel Cells. Having said this, most of the work has been based on derivatives of known polymers, such as poly(ether-ether ketones), to ensure that the critical requirement of low cost is met. More aggressive operational requi- ments have also spurred the development on new materials; for example, the need for operation at higher temperature under low relative humidity has spawned the creation of a plethora of new polymers with potential application in PEM Fuel Cells.

This book on hybrid electric vehicles brings out six chapters on some of the research activities through the wide range of current issues on hybrid electric vehicles. The first section deals with two interesting applications of HEVs, namely, urban buses and heavy duty working machines. The second one groups papers related to the optimization of the electricity flows in a hybrid electric vehicle, starting from the optimization of recharge in PHEVs through advance storage systems, new motor technologies, and integrated starter-alternator technologies. A comprehensive analysis of the technologies used in HEVs is beyond the aim of the book. However, the content of this volume can be useful to scientists and students to broaden their knowledge of technologies and application of hybrid electric vehicles.

The objectives of the Automotive Stifling Engine (ASE) Development project were to transfer European Stirling engine technology to the United States and develop an ASE that would demonstrate a 30% improvement in combined metro-highway fuel economy over a comparable spark ignition (SI) engine in the same production vehicle. In addition, the ASE should demonstrate the potential for reduced emissions levels while maintaining the performance characteristics of SI engines. Mechanical Technology Incorporated (MTI) developed the ASE in an evolutionary manner, starting with the test and evaluation of an existing stationary Stirling engine and proceeding through two experimental engine designs: the Mod I and the Mod II. Engine technology development resulted in elimination of strategic materials, increased power density, higher temperature and efficiency operation, reduced system complexity, long-life seals, and low-cost manufacturing designs. Mod Ii engine dynamometer tests demonstrated that the engine system configuration had accomplished its performance goals for power (60 kW) and efficiency (38.5%) to within a few percent. Tests with the Mod II installed in a delivery van demonstrated a combined fuel economy improvement consistent with engine performance goals and the potential for low emissions levels. A modified version of the Mod II was identified as a manufacturable ASE design for commercial production. In conjunction with engine technology development, technology transfer proceeded through two ancillary efforts: the Industry Test and Evaluation Program (ITEP) and the NASA Technology Utilization (TU) project. The ITEP served to introduce Stirling technology to industry, and the TU project provided vehicle field demonstrations for thirdparty evaluation in everyday use and accomplished more than 3100 hr and 8,000 miles of field operation. To extend technology transfer beyond the ASE project, a Space Act Agreement between MTI and NASA-Lewis Research Center allowed utilization of project resources for additional development work and emissions testing as part of an industry-funded Stirling Natural Gas Engine program.