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Epyx Multi-Fuel Processor Provides Critical Front End

18 November 1998

Epyx Multi-Fuel Processor Provides Critical Front End to Successfully Powering Small-Scale PEM Fuel Cell Systems

In Another First Integrated Small-Scale Fuel Cell System Converts Natural Gas
                                To Electricity

    CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 17 -- In another first in the history
of small-scale fuel cell systems, the Epyx multi-fuel processor has generated
hydrogen using natural gas as a primary source of fuel.  This latest
technology breakthrough was successfully demonstrated during a recent
laboratory test, powering a 2 kilowatt PEM fuel cell supplied by Energy
Partners in a Department of Energy program for stationary fuel cell power
systems.
    Last year, the Epyx multi-fuel processor generated a hydrogen-rich gas
stream using gasoline as its fuel source.  In the latest demonstration, Epyx
used the same technology to convert natural gas to hydrogen, which was then
supplied to the fuel cell to generate electricity.  According to Jeffery
Bentley, Chief Operating Officer at Epyx Corporation, "This demonstration is a
major accomplishment toward realizing the rapid commercialization of
small-scale premium and stationary power fuel cell applications in power
capacities ranging from 100 watts to 15 kilowatts."
    "The achievement is significant for two reasons," added Bentley.  "First,
it further validates the technical feasibility of natural gas-powered PEM fuel
cell systems.  Second, it meets a growing worldwide market for quiet, highly
reliable, fuel-efficient systems that provide primary and backup power for
remote homes, recreation, remote communications, etc.  The successful
introduction of fuel cells into such mainstream markets will help drive
consumer confidence and reduce overall system costs -- which will further
contribute to the rapid commercialization of fuel cell vehicles."
    For end-users that do not have access to the electric grid, it has become
necessary to develop power systems that can operate on readily available and
easily storable fuels.  The Epyx multi-fuel processor, when integrated with a
PEM fuel cell, provides that solution.  "Epyx provides the critical link to
making fuel cell technology commercially viable in the near future -- possibly
by the year 2001," added Bentley.
    According to Energy Partners' President Ed Trlica, "The ability to produce
electricity from reformed natural gas is a major breakthrough in the fuel
conversion process.  This process market the culmination of many years of
research that only a few companies in the world are capable of duplicating."
    Epyx Corporation, establishes in January 1998, is a recognized global
leader in fuel processing technology.  Its mission is to rapidly develop and
commercialize its multi-fuel processor for fuel cell applications in the
transportation and small-scale premium/stationary power markets.  To date, the
Epyx multi-fuel processor has powered fuel cells from Ballard, Plug Power,
Energy Partners, DeNora, Dais, and other worldclass organizations, generating
clean, efficient, power in a range from 300 watts to 250 kW.  With the
commercialization of its revolutionary Next Millennium Fuel Processor(TM)
technology, Epyx is reshaping the power paradigm for the 21st century --
bringing The Future of Energy(TM) to the world today!