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ECD's Solid Storage Hydrogen Technology Highlighted at 1999 Conference

19 November 1999

ECD's Solid Storage Hydrogen Technology Highlighted at the 1999 International Mechanical Engineering Conference

    TROY, Mich., Nov. 19 -- Robert C. Stempel, Chairman, Energy
Conversion Devices, Inc. ("ECD") , delivered the keynote address
at the opening of the 1999 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and
Exposition on November 15, 1999, in Nashville, Tenn.  At this forum for
engineering and scientific discussion, Mr. Stempel discussed the concept of
storing hydrogen as a solid for use as a transportation fuel to either
internal combustion engines or fuel cells.  Noting that the proprietary Ovonic
NiMH battery stores electrical energy through the reversible formation of a
high-capacity metal hydride, containing hydrogen in a solid state and
functioning in an electrochemical environment, Mr. Stempel stated that ECD has
developed special alloys engineered to store and release hydrogen.  The
conference included four days of technical sessions, symposia, and
demonstrations on "Engineering Innovation for Increased Productivity," the
theme of this year's meeting.
    During his remarks, Mr. Stempel noted, "The initial work on solid hydrogen
storage was conducted by Stanford R. Ovshinsky, president and CEO of ECD, and
his associates and first reported in 1980.  Continuing development has led to
new special Ovonic alloys with hydrogen storage, in a solid state, of 7wt% at
300 degrees Celsius desorption temperature."  These high storage capacity
Ovonic alloys with their quick, moderate temperature hydrogen fill and release
capability are of particular interest to the auto and oil industries as they
continue to develop fuel cells for use in vehicles.  The Ovonic solid hydrogen
storage system is a safe, compact, low pressure, high density alternative to
gaseous or liquid hydrogen storage at a lower system cost.  This year's
Engineering Conference featured several sessions on hydrogen and renewable
energy systems, fuel cells and related technologies.
    The Ovonic solid hydrogen storage system provides the industry with an
alternate to on-board reforming of natural gas or methanol to obtain hydrogen.
It is an enabling technology that may help speed the transition to hydrogen
fuels.  Hydrogen, often referred to as the ultimate fuel, contains no carbon
and emits no pollution, with water vapor being its only byproduct.
    Technical specifications for the Ovonic solid hydrogen storage system
include:

    *  Solid hydrogen storage of 7wt% at 300 degrees Celsius desorption
       temperature
    *  Excellent absorption/desorption kinetics that are initiated within
       seconds
    *  Excellent cycle life in excess of 2,000 cycles
    *  Poison tolerance, especially to carbon monoxide

    Also, in recognition of his more than 45 years of active participation and
leadership in the practice of mechanical engineering, Mr. Stempel was elected
to the grade of Life Fellow at this year's conference by the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers.
    ECD is a leader in the synthesis of new materials and the development of
advanced production technology and innovative products.  It has pioneered and
developed enabling technologies leading to new products and production
processes based on amorphous, disordered and related materials, with an
emphasis on alternative energy and advanced information technologies.  ECD's
web site address is http://www.ovonic.com .
    This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995.  Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which ECD, as
of the date of this release, believes to be reasonable and appropriate.  ECD
cautions, however, that the actual facts and conditions that may exist in the
future could vary materially from the assumed facts and conditions upon which
such forward-looking statements are based.