News

MTI Micro Begins Fuel Cell Product Field Testing with DOE and NYSERDA Funding

June 16, 2010 by Jeff Shepard

MTI Micro Fuel Cells Inc. (MTI Micro), the developer of the Mobion® off-the-grid portable power solution, and a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology, Inc. (MTI) announced that it has initiated a $1.5 million field testing program for the company’s Mobion® micro fuel cell with support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

The program will enable MTI Micro to obtain feedback on Mobion® products from key stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the DOE, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), industry experts, and consumer testers.

In addition, the company announced a 20% improvement in the power density of its Mobion® technology after demonstrating an increase in performance from 84mW/cm2 to 100mW/cm2 at the company’s Albany, New York-based lab. MTI Micro believes this is the highest performance achieved in a vapor feed, passive water management direct methanol fuel cell which will enable more energy dense micro fuel cells systems.

"This program is putting our Mobion® product in the hands of consumers making it a major milestone for MTI Micro and the entire hand-held DMFC industry," said Peng Lim, President and CEO of MTI Micro. "These mobile users will finally experience the benefits of a new green energy source, and the freedom of having on-the-go power to match their lifestyle."

This announcement follows the receipt of a $1.2 million grant from the DOE, and a $295,000 award from NYSERDA to support next-generation power technologies with the potential for advancing New York toward a clean energy economy. Both funding awards are being used to support the company’s field testing program.