Ballard Announces Commercial Launch of Portable Nexa 'TM' Power Module
VANCOUVER, B.C.--Sept. 27, 2001--Ballard Power Systems announced today the commercial launch of its Nexa(TM) power module - the world's first volume-produced proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system designed for integration by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) into a wide variety of industrial and consumer end-product applications.Using Ballard's accumulated expertise in PEM fuel cell technology, the Nexa(TM) power module generates up to 1200 watts of unregulated DC electrical power.
Emitting only heat and water as byproducts of power generation, the Nexa(TM) power module allows OEM products to be used in indoor environments and other locations not possible with conventional power sources such as internal combustion engine generators. The Nexa(TM) power module's quiet operation and compact size make it ideal for integration into UPS systems and emergency power generators, as well as recreational and portable products. Unlike battery technology with limited run-times, the Nexa(TM) power module is capable of providing extended back-up operation or intermittent electrical power for as long as fuel is supplied to the unit.
The Nexa(TM) power module has been developed with ongoing input from Ballard customers in Asia, Europe and North America, who are employing a variety of fuel supply options that include compressed hydrogen, hydrogen stored in metal hydrides, and methanol-reformer systems. The first commercial result of Ballard's Nexa(TM) power module activity will be a portable generator for consumer use introduced by Coleman Powermate in the United States later this year. Steve Krawczyk, President of Coleman Powermate noted that "This presents a major milestone in our plans to launch our fuel cell product this year. We have been very pleased with the results of our collaboration with Ballard and look forward to bringing this important technology to consumers."
In regard to safety and standards issues, the Nexa(TM) power module has received Underwriters Laboratory (UL) component recognition in the United States and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification.
John Harris, Ballard's Vice-President, Marketing commented that "With today's launch of the Nexa(TM) power module, Ballard is expanding its leadership in fuel cells into exciting new market opportunities. As Ballard continues to build its customer base, we are convinced that the Nexa(TM) power module will inspire the creation of products that maximize the unique benefits of BALLARD(R) fuel cells."
Nexa(TM) power module Specifications
Performance Rated net output 1200 Watts
(at sea level & below 30 C)
Current 46 Amps (at rated
net output)
DC voltage 26 Volts (at rated
net output)
Lifetime 1500 hours
Fuel Gaseous hydrogen 99.99%, dry
Supply pressure 10 to 250 PSIG
Operating
Environment Ambient temperature 3(degrees) C to 30
(degrees) C (37
(degrees)F to 86
(degrees)F)
Humidity 0% to 95% (non
condensing)
Indoor or outdoor
locations Unit must be
protected from
inclement weather,
sand, dust, marine
and freezing
conditions in
product packaging
Physical Dimensions L x W x H:
56 x 25 x 33 cm
(22 x 10 x 13 in)
Weight 14 kg (27 lbs)
Certification UL, CSA
Emissions Pure water Maximum 0.73 litres
(vapour and liquid) / 24.6 fluid oz. per
hour (at rated net
output)
CO, CO2, NOx, SO2,
particulates 0 ppm
Noise 72 dBA @ 1 meter
Integration Fuel interface 45(degrees) flared
tube fitting for
1/4 " OD tubing -
metallic
Electrical interface #8 AWG electrical
wire
Control interface Full duplex RS 485
Inquiries from Original Equipment Manufacturers interested in obtaining further information on the Nexa(TM) power module should contact Ballard's Marketing Department at 604.454.0900, or by e-mail at marketing@ballard.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements reflecting Ballard's current expectations as contemplated under the Safe Harbour provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Law of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, product development delays, changing environmental regulations, the ability to attract and retain business partners, future levels of government funding, competition from other fuel cell manufacturers, competition from other advanced power technologies, competition from existing power technologies, evolving markets for generating electricity and power for transportation vehicles, and the ability to provide the capital required for product development, operations and marketing. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on Ballard's forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to review the section titled "Operating Results, Capital Requirements and Risks" (pages 41 to 46) in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of Ballard's 2000 Annual Report for a more complete discussion of factors that could affect Ballard's future performance.
Ballard Power Systems is recognized as the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane fuel cells for use in transportation, electricity generation and portable power products. Ballard Power Systems' proprietary fuel cell technology is enabling automobile, electrical equipment and portable power product manufacturers to develop environmentally clean products for sale. The fundamental component of these end-user products is the BALLARD(R) fuel cell that combines hydrogen (which can be obtained from methanol, natural gas, petroleum or renewable sources) and oxygen (from air) without combustion to generate electricity. Ballard is partnering with strong, world-leading companies, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford, ALSTOM and EBARA, to commercialize BALLARD(R) fuel cells. Ballard has also supplied fuel cells to Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, Yamaha, Cinergy, Coleman Powermate and Matsushita Electric Works, among others.
Ballard's Common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "BLD" and on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol "BLDP". Ballard and the Ballard logo are registered trademarks of Ballard Power Systems Inc.