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LONDON (Alliance News) - Proton Power Systems PLC Tuesday said it will participate with other partners in a project involving the integration of a HyRange 25 fuel-cell system into a three-tonne passenger transport vehicle manufactured by a major automotive original equipment manufacturer.
In a statement, Proton Power said it is partnering with an Austria-based university, a research institute, and an international automotive component supplier on the 30-month project. The project value for Proton Power is expected to be EUR130,000, according to the statement.
The vehicle is currently a pure battery-powered version. The integration of a hydrogen fuel cell system should allow an increase of the vehicle's range of operation to 300 kilometres, according to the company, while the total cost of the vehicle is expected to be reduced by 25% against the pure battery version.
The project is being funded by the Austrian government to demonstrate the possibility of equipping light duty vehicles with a hybrid battery/fuel cell system for emission-free operation with more mileage and less cost, Proton Power said.
According to Proton Power, HyRange 25 is capable of providing enough electric energy on board of an electric-powered heavier duty vehicle for full day-to-day operation. The company also said the heat from the system can be used to support the heating system in the vehicle, which increases overall efficiency. It said the battery on board can be downsized to allow for an increased payload or number of passengers and cost reduction.
"Proton Power has considerable know-how in mobile fuel cell applications. The smaller HyRange 8 System with 8kW of net power has been in operation for two years in a 7.5 tonne light-duty vehicle with customers in the logistic market in Germany. The vehicle runs a full time service without interruption with extremely pleasing results," the company said in a statement.
"With the HyRange 8 and HyRange 25 systems, Proton Power can offer a complete portfolio of products for the duty vehicle market. The integration support from Proton Power allows a fast and efficient integration process," the company added.
Proton Power shares were Tuesday quoted up 1.1% at 7.70 pence.
By Samuel Agini; samagini@alliancenews.com; @samuelagini
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