H Power Corp. (Clifton, NJ) announced that it has signed a third joint-study agreement with Osaka Gas Co. Ltd. (Japan), which calls for the delivery of eight 500W proton-exchange membrane, residential cogeneration, fuel cell systems for in-house and field beta testing for the Japanese residential market.
The 500W system combines H Power's proprietary fuel cell stack with Osaka Gas' proprietary steam reformer. The system provides primary power and hot water for a residence, and can provide power at either 250W or 500W. In addition to operating at a constant output, it can also function in a load-following mode, in which the unit reacts continuously to changes in a residence's power and heating requirements. The unit is connected to the grid, and is capable of automatic startup and shutdown.
H Power CEO H. Frank Gibbard commented, "This agreement represents the next important step towards the commercialization of our 500W residential fuel cell system for the Japanese residential market. We continue to build on the success of our development program with Osaka Gas, whereby we have manufactured 10 500W cogeneration systems of which eight have already been shipped to Osaka Gas for evaluation and field-testing. We are pleased to have further strengthened and expanded our relationship with Osaka Gas, and look forward to working closely with them as we pursue commercialization in Japan and exploring possible applications outside of the Japanese market."
