EBARA BALLARD Unveils 1 kW Stationary Fuel Cell Generator with Total Efficiency of 92%

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia--Jan. 29, 2003-- Ballard Power Systems' and EBARA Corporation's jointly owned company EBARA BALLARD unveiled the first generation of its pre-commercial 1kW stationary combined heat and power proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell generator for the Japanese residential market, building upon the second generation engineering prototype fuel cell generator unveiled in January of 2002. The system is manufactured by EBARA BALLARD and comprises a Ballard (R) fuel cell, EBARA Corporation's newly developed pumps and blowers, a reformer based on technology licenced from Tokyo Gas, and a hot water storage tank.
    "We have set the standard for fuel cell performance in Japan with our 1 kW combined heat and power fuel cell generator achieving a total system efficiency (heat and electricity) of 92 percent (LHV) of which 34 percent is the AC electrical efficiency. Also of significance is the high partial load efficiency of our system. At 50 percent rated load the total system efficiency is 78 percent (LHV) with AC electrical efficiency of 31 percent," said Masakatsu Ohya, EBARA BALLARD's President. "Each successive prototype generation has demonstrated improved efficiency and reduced volume, bringing this environmentally friendly power generator closer to its planned introduction, in limited volumes, to the Japanese residential market as a distributed power source. We are still on track for a marketing launch in late-2004."
    "The progress shown by each successive prototype generation in increased efficiency and reduced volume is a testament to Ballard's world class fuel cell expertise and the close relationship we have with EBARA BALLARD," said John Harris, Ballard's Managing Director, Asia Pacific. "Ballard's advances in fuel cell technology and EBARA BALLARD's improvements in the balance of plant are creating a system that leads the industry in efficiency, performance and size. Our testing and development program will continue to focus on enhancing product lifetime and reducing costs to enable us to meet the market requirements for the commercial product."
    The pre-commercial power plant will undergo extensive testing both in EBARA BALLARD's facility and in the field allowing further improvement of this product prior to the commercial launch of the initial commercial version. EBARA BALLARD is based in Tokyo, Japan and its mandate is to develop, manufacture and sell, fuel cell power generators incorporating the Ballard (R) fuel cell to customers in Japan.
    EBARA Corporation is globally recognized as a major developer, manufacturer and distributor of fluid machinery and systems, precision machinery and environmental engineering systems and as a leader in zero-emission energy technology.
    Ballard Power Systems is recognized as the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Ballard is commercializing fuel cell engines for transportation applications and fuel cell systems for portable and stationary products. Ballard is also commercializing electric drives for fuel cell and other electric vehicles, power conversion products, natural gas and hydrogen generator sets and is a Tier 1 automotive supplier of friction materials for power train components. Ballard's proprietary technology is enabling automobile, bus, electrical equipment, portable power and stationary product manufacturers to develop environmentally clean products for sale. Ballard is partnering with strong, world-leading companies, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford, EBARA, ALSTOM and FirstEnergy, to commercialize Ballard (R) fuel cells. Ballard has supplied fuel cells to Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, Yamaha, Cinergy and Coleman Powermate, among others.

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