Ceres Power Fuel Cell Module Meets CHP Programme Alpha Phase Target

30 September 2008

Ceres Power Holdings plc Fuel Cell Module Meets Alpha Phase Target of CHP Programme with British Gas

Ceres Power has announced that it has successfully built and tested a 1kW Fuel Cell Module meeting the performance, size and weight requirements under the Alpha Phase of the CHP programme with British Gas. This represents achievement of the Q3 2008 milestone of the CHP product roadmap set out in the British Gas CHP update on 24th June 2008.

The Fuel Cell Module was operated on three different fuel types: mains natural gas, methane and propane. The company reports that, on each fuel, the Fuel Cell Module delivered a maximum electrical output of just over 1kW and was operated over a broad range of power outputs.  The company also reports that the core Fuel Cell Stack within the integrated Fuel Cell Module demonstrated a heat to power ratio of better than 1:1 and was built using Ceres Power fuel cells made by scaleable manufacturing processes.

The company claims that the value engineering programme has resulted in a major reduction in component part count by using innovative systems integration and through preassembly of balance of plant elements by supply chain partners as a core part of the design for manufacture strategy.

The Fuel Cell Module has been packaged to fit overall dimensions of 205mm by 305mm by 305mm. Including its thermal insulation it weighs less than 25kg, meeting the Alpha CHP product targets.

The achievement Fuel Cell Module milestone underpins subsequent Alpha milestones in Ceres Power’s CHP programme with British Gas, namely the Alpha CHP product build due to be completed in Q4 2008 and tested through Q1 2009.

For further information contact:
Ceres Power Holdings plc
Peter Bance, Chief Executive, Ceres Power Tel. +44 (0) 1293 400404
Gavin Anderson & Company
Tel. +44 (0)20 7554 1400
Ken Cronin/Deborah Walter/Robert Speed

Source: Fuel Cell Today