News

Plug Power Field Testing Next-Generation Fuel Cells

July 20, 2005 by Jeff Shepard

Plug Power Inc. (Latham, NY) has received a $943,000 contract extension from the Department of Defense as part of the Common Core Power Production Program. This new funding will enable Plug Power to begin field-testing the Company's next-generation continuous-run fuel cell systems.

"This Air Force field test is critical to our mission of developing the most robust and rugged end-to-end solution for military and civilian Common Core Power Production adaptation," said Mike Mead, Chief, Advanced Power Technology Office, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. "During this project we will be comparing fuel cell systems with the current power technology sets used to support base operations and forward deployment efforts."

Under the Program, 10 of Plug Power's next-generation continuous-run fuel cell systems will be installed and operated at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. The 5-kilowatt, prime power, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) fueled systems will be used to confirm system reliability and suitability for forward deployment efforts on military bases. Additionally, information gathered during this trial will be used to modify and enhance product features and performance.

"The Department of Defense has been a steadfast customer for several generations of our fuel cell systems," said Dr. John Elter, Plug Power, Chief Technology Officer. "We are excited about the opportunity to begin in-application field testing of our next-generation continuous-run fuel cell systems."

Partners in the project include: Advance Power Technology Office, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at the Robins Air Force Base in Georgia -- site host and program sponsor; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory -- contracting agent and program manager; Concurrent Technologies Corporation -- on-site logistical support and program manager; and LOGANEnergy --installation and service provider.

In conjunction with this announcement, Plug Power will no longer accept orders for its first generation GenSys® product. Since 2001, Plug Power has installed and operated more than 425 continuous-run fuel cell systems in approximately 130 field locations with customers and partners in North and South America, the European Union and Asia. The learning from this extensive field experience is being incorporated into the next-generation design.