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DOE Program Realizes Milestone in Gasoline to Electricity Conversion

20 May 1999

DOE Program Realizes Milestone in Gasoline to Electricity Conversion; Operates High-Efficiency, Low-Emission Automotive Fuel Cell System

    BOSTON and LATHAM, N.Y., May 20 -- In an important
development that signals a major shift in future automotive power generation,
a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and undertaken by
Plug Power and Epyx Corporation, has achieved high efficiency and near zero
emissions on gasoline.
    An integrated system was demonstrated using a Plug Power fuel cell stack
and Epyx multi-fuel processor.  Fuel utilization during the testing met the
expected interim targets on the way to achieving an overall 40 percent system
efficiency, significantly better than that of today's internal combustion
engine.  As well, the system produced greatly reduced emission levels, well
below the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle classification given to automobiles that
generate nearly immeasurable amounts of pollutants and other particulate
matter which cause smog.
    "This is an impressive accomplishment," states Dan Reicher, DOE's
Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, "because
obtaining high efficiency while operating on gasoline and other alternative
fuels is our biggest challenge."
    Because fuel cells generate energy through an electrochemical process,
pollutants such as nitrogen or sulfur oxides are nearly eliminated, and
greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by more than 50 percent.  "These results
prove that fuel cell-powered automobiles are the best bet we have for meeting
our global environmental initiatives," said Gary Mittleman, Plug Power's
President and CEO. Also, because the system requires less fuel to produce an
equal amount of power, it is considerably more efficient. "People can expect
to get more than double their current gas mileage," Mittleman added.
    "This test demonstrates that fuel cell vehicles can operate on fuels that
are available everywhere today while preserving the option of using renewable
fuels such as ethanol," said Jeffrey Bentley, Epyx Chief Operating Officer.
This program was initiated through DOE's Page 2, MILESTONE IN GASOLINE TO
ELECTRICITY CONVERSION participation in the Partnership for a New Generation
of Vehicles (PNGV).  PNGV is a public/private collaboration with the primary
goal of developing an environmentally friendly automobile that can attain up
to 80 mpg without sacrificing affordability, performance or safety.
    At the end of the program, Plug Power and Epyx will deliver a fully
integrated automotive fuel cell system that can power a full-sized car.
Gasoline is considered the most technically challenging fuel to work with.
Current testing was performed using low sulfur gasoline.  Over the next few
weeks, the team will also demonstrate operation on California Phase II
reformulated gasoline, ethanol, methanol, M-85, and natural gas.
    Another noteworthy achievement that resulted from this program was the
first successful demonstration of gasoline to electricity, using fuel cell
stack technology developed by Plug Power and fuel reformer technology
developed by Epyx, which occurred in October of 1997.  This collaborative
effort received a 1998 PNGV medal to acknowledge teamwork and significant
technical achievement in developing clean, highly efficient automotive
technologies for the future.
    Plug Power, based in Latham, New York, was originally formed as a
joint venture between DTE Energy Company , Michigan's largest
electric utility, and Mechanical Technology Inc. , an early
developer of fuel cell technologies.  Since its founding in 1997, Plug Power
has grown to over 230 employees, making it the largest PEM fuel cell
development company in the United States.  In 1999, General Electric
and Southern California Gas Co., a subsidiary of Sempra Energy
joined as equity holders in the company.
    Epyx Corporation, established in February 1998, is a recognized global
leader in fuel processing technology. Its mission is to rapidly develop and
commercialize the Epyx multi-fuel processor for fuel cell applications in the
transportation and small-scale stationary power markets. To date, the Epyx
multi-fuel processor has generated clean, efficient power in a range from 300
watts to 250 kW.  With the commercialization of its revolutionary Next
Millennium Fuel Processor technology, Epyx is reshaping the ower paradigm for
the 21st Century.