Anuvu Fuel Cell Powers Hydrogen Car at Mohegan Sun
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Supported Fuel Cell Vehicle Is a First of Its Kind in New England
SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 10 -- A zero-emission fuel cell/battery hybrid engine from Anuvu Incorporated is powering a neighborhood electric vehicle developed for Mohegan Sun, one of the largest entertainment destinations in the US. The project is a collaboration of the DOE, Mohegan Sun, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), W.L. GORE, the Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC), and the Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology Education (FASTec).
The fuel cell car, the first of its kind in New England, is a converted GEM (Global Electric Motorcars) vehicle. An Anuvu Power-X(TM) 3 kW PEM fuel cell powers the GE electric motor. Acceleration and braking are provided by a hybrid battery pack.
The car will be used at Mohegan Sun as a passenger and lightweight transportation vehicle. The fuel cell/electric motor hybrid vehicle is designed for performing basic on-premise tasks for the resort, typically traveling at speeds of 12-25 miles per hour with zero emissions.
James Dunn, CEO and director of NASA's NE Regional Technology Transfer Center, who organized the project, commented, "The DOE is becoming increasingly involved in fuel cell initiatives and the Mohegan Sun is the nation's leading Native American resort promoting progressive environmental and energy initiatives. Both organizations are demonstrating the here-and-now reality of fuel cell vehicles, and Anuvu's time-tested fuel cells were an obvious choice for this exciting student project."
"Anuvu's fuel cells are very robust and versatile and are increasingly used in a number of vehicle projects," said Rex Hodge, president and CEO of Anuvu. "Other US tribes are closely watching Mohegan's clean energy initiatives and are looking at ways to follow the tribe's lead as an environmental and renewable energy advocate."
Anuvu's Power-X fuel cells are used in a number of automotive and marine vehicle applications including Anuvu's Clean Urban Vehicle (CUV(TM)) line of vehicles and a zero-emission harbor water taxi. Anuvu's CUV pick-up, the first fuel cell vehicle commercially sold for under $100,000, recently became available for fleets and government projects.
The Mohegan vehicle was designed and developed by students and volunteers at the WPI Fuel Cell Center in coordination with FASTec, a charitable education program that develops advanced technology projects to encourage students to pursue careers in science and technology. The organizations have teamed on a number of alternative energy initiatives including the fuel cell powered E-plane project (www.aviationtomorrow.com).
Mohegan Sun also boasts an onsite 500 Kilowatt fuel cell power plant providing power to the casino, and a new regenerative fuel cell system that was unveiled at the recent launch of the resort's Energy, Environment, Economics and Education Center. The Anuvu-powered fuel cell car will be on display at the Fuel Cell Investment Summit, March 14-16, 2004, held at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.
About Anuvu
Anuvu Incorporated is a pioneering developer and supplier of fuel cell products. The proprietary design of Anuvu's fuel cells allows for near-term development and enhanced design potential for vehicles efficiently powered by hydrogen. Anuvu offers its Power-X fuel cell line to industries such as automotive, marine/boating, government and educational research and offers low-cost, off-the-shelf fuel cell engine products as well as specially designed systems. More information can be found at: www.anuvu.com.
CUV(TM) and Power-X(TM) are trademarks of Anuvu, Inc. About Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribe, is one of the largest, most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and meeting destinations in the United States. Situated on 240 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Places. What began with the Casino of the Earth in 1996 has evolved into a legendary destination that now includes: the Casino of the Sky and over 300,000 sq. feet of total gaming space; The Shops at Mohegan Sun, featuring over 40 retail shops and a wide range of dining venues; the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena for world-class sporting events and concerts, and an intimate Cabaret Theatre; and a 34-story luxury hotel, featuring 1,176 guestrooms and 175 suites, premier meeting and convention space and a world-class spa. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting www.mohegansun.com.
About WPI's Fuel Cell Center
The WPI Fuel Cell Center, in Worcester, MA., is an industry-university alliance for advancing fuel cell technology through undergraduate and graduate research and development of fuel cells, fuel reformers, and related components. Fuel cells are a major emerging energy technology that promises to revolutionize the generation of power for mobile and stationary applications. Founded in 1865, WPI is a pioneer in technological higher education. WPI's innovative, globally focused curriculum has been recognized by leaders in industry, government, and academia as the model for the technological education of tomorrow, with Master's and PhD programs in over 30 disciplines.
