hybrid fuel cell.

myzter

1 kW
Joined
Aug 8, 2008
Messages
411
Location
Van, B.C.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/pe...wer-solution-for-electric-bicycles-2010-09-23

For every 1.5 lbs. of weight a rider carries, an additional 700 watt-hours of energy is available (compared to ~350 watt-hours for an ultra-high performance lithium-polymer battery at a weight of 7 lbs.). The Pedego -- SiGNa hybrid system utilizes the battery for peak conditions such as acceleration and hill climbing, while the fuel cell to extend the operating range of a Pedego bicycle by over 40 miles for each additional cartridge
 
Hillhater said:
..And the price is ....????

tough to say, they have a 36v 10ah beach cruiser with a sturdy rack, what looks like a 9C and a classy yet spartan build. the thing runs about $1600, which to me seems a bit pricey but probably right about the sweet spot for making a profit on in actuality.
51uPyOR5AvL._SS500_.jpg


there have been some quiet but relevant innovations in the realm of electrolyzers and such. I'm remembering hearing something about a chemical additive in the water to make energy storage from solar much more viable a couple years ago. maybe this is something similar to that, I wish I could remember the name of that chemical.



*edit* ah hah! I think this is the article I read http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2008/08/mit-scientists.html
 
gestalt said:
I'm remembering hearing something about a chemical additive in the water to make energy storage from solar much more viable a couple years ago. maybe this is something similar to that, I wish I could remember the name of that chemical.

scamium... :roll:
 
SiGNa’s free flowing, non-pyrophoric powders are easily handled and used. They are stable in air at room temperature, absorbing moisture slowly without ignition. Their reaction with water occurs rapidly and completely without a catalyst to produce greater than 9 wt.% molecularly clean hydrogen gas with environmentally friendly byproducts.

source: http://signachem.com/choose-industry/hydrogen-fuel/
 
myzter said:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/pe...wer-solution-for-electric-bicycles-2010-09-23

For every 1.5 lbs. of weight a rider carries, an additional 700 watt-hours of energy is available (compared to ~350 watt-hours for an ultra-high performance lithium-polymer battery at a weight of 7 lbs.). The Pedego -- SiGNa hybrid system utilizes the battery for peak conditions such as acceleration and hill climbing, while the fuel cell to extend the operating range of a Pedego bicycle by over 40 miles for each additional cartridge

Hmmm... it sounds like they could be quoting the weight of the cartridge, not the whole system. And I bet that 700 watt hours is spread over a a lot more than an hour.

For comparison, here's the specs for a methanol fuel cell that is currently sold for camping and pedelec use. It might be useful in some circumstances, but it's no high performer.

EFOY Pro 1600 Pro 2200
Charging capacity 1560 Wh/day 2160 Wh/day
Nominal output 65 W 90 W
Nominal voltage 12V/24 V 12V/24 V
Weight 8.4 kg 8.8 kg

Noise emissions 23 dB(A) at 7 m distance
39 dB(A) at 1 m distance

Nominal
consumption* 0.9 L/ kWh
Dimensions
(L x W x H)
433 x 188 x 278 mm
(17 x 8 x 11 in)

Yes, that's a power density of just over ten watts per kg, not even counting fuel and the batteries you'll need to cover peak demand.
 
I didn't realize fuel cells were that readily available. I found them on sale at this site:

http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Efoy_Fuel_Cell/

18.7lb / 65W / $4750

Doesn't appear to make sense to carry it around on anything I can plug in at the end of the day or after a ride.
 
Special powder fuels electric bike
It made the news again today. No price is given.

SiGNa describes the 1.5-pound cartridges as "inexpensive," but didn't give a price. Currently the company is taking pre-orders for the fuel cells, so it will likely be a while yet before they make their way into any vehicle.

~KF
 
sodium does not form a silicide. this is a normal chemical reaction of sodium metal with water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen. the guy who wrote the article is so stupid, like he never even had to take a chemistry class. try carrying that on an airplane!
 
*BUMP*
More news:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_11/b4219037611087.htm
This summer the California company Pedego will start selling an electric bicycle that includes a refillable SiGNa fuel cartridge to extend the range of its lithium battery from 20 to 100 miles. In October, the Swedish fuel cell company myFC plans to begin selling a brick-size cell phone charger that will run on SiGNa "PowerPukks." Each aluminum puck, about the size of its hockey namesake, is enough to provide 10 hours of juice for a typical smartphone. The charger will cost around $200, and each puck will run about $2.50. SiGNa supplies the fuel and builds custom canisters for both Pedego and myFC.

Good news for ES folk that hang out in the BEER forum:
SiGNa's powder is nontoxic and can be triggered by almost any water—salt or fresh—or even urine.

Tks
LoCk
 
Back
Top