Epyx Low-Emission, High-Efficiency Fuel Cell System Takes One Step Closer to Becoming Commercial Reality
25 February 1998
Epyx Low-Emission, High-Efficiency Fuel Cell System Takes One Step Closer to Becoming Commercial Reality
New Venture to Manufacture Multi-Fuel Processors for Automotive, Energy, and
Utility Industries
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 25 -- Epyx Corporation, a spin-off
of the worldwide strategic consulting firm Arthur D. Little, Inc., has
formally announced its formation and intention to focus solely on expediting
the commercialization of the Epyx Multi-Fuel Processor -- the key component to
the first-ever on-board gasoline- and ethanol-powered "fuel cell" electric
engine for the automobile. This news follows the announcement made by the US
Department of Energy (DOE) and Arthur D. Little on October 21, 1997,
unveiling the breakthrough fuel cell technology.
"The formation of Epyx Corporation represents a significant milestone in
the rapid development of environmentally friendly vehicles and applications,"
states Charles R. LaMantia, CEO of Arthur D. Little. "Over time, this event
will be remembered as the dawn of the 21st century energy era."
Working alongside strategic commercial partners as well as DOE, Epyx will
manufacture and distribute this innovative technology for applications in the
automotive, energy, and utility industries worldwide, with initial sales of
smallscale portable power units scheduled for the year 2000.
The announcement marks a historical date in the advancement of high-
efficiency, low-emission products designed to reduce the threat of global
climate change. This move establishes a market plan to manufacture
alternative power-generation fuel cell systems that offer greater fuel
economy - providing twice the efficiency of internal combustion engines and 50
percent less emissions - without compromising performance.
The advanced Multi-Fuel Processing Technology, to which Epyx has exclusive
worldwide rights, embodies significant improvements in both design and cost.
"This unique combination provides us with a commanding competitive advantage
over existing approaches," states Jeffrey Bentley, newly appointed Chief
Operating Officer of Epyx. "In addition to its lightweight, compact
configuration, our technology operates on multiple fuels - such as gasoline,
ethanol, methanol, propane, and natural gas - which means consumers maintain
convenient access to today's existing fuels as well as to tomorrow's renewable
fuels when they become available."
The company will focus on developing fuel processors for three
markets - portable power (small-scale applications, such as remote electric
generators, in capacities ranging between 100 watts to 5 kilowatts),
stationary power (targeting residential and commercial power markets in a
range between 2 to 250 kilowatts), and transportation (focusing on automobiles
and busses, ranging between 50 to 250 kilowatts).
Commercialization efforts for stationary power and transportation
applications are planned for the years 2002 and 2005, respectively. "Our
near-term goal is to commercialize small-scale processors for the portable
power market," states William Mitchell, Vice President of Engineering of Epyx.
"By successfully reducing the size of the technology - from 50 kilowatts to
300 watts - we've demonstrated that we can generate enough energy to power
applications such as generators, remote communications equipment,
road signs - even video cameras."
According to Bentley, "By penetrating the portable power market first, we
expect to increase consumer confidence and significantly reduce manufacturing
costs - a critical obstacle to accelerating the introduction of fuel cell
vehicles." The potential for high-end, small, reliable generators is
exemplified by the rapidly growing $1 billion photovoltaic market - with an
estimated 10 to 25 percent being in applications addressable by fuel cell
units using the Epyx Multi-Fuel Processor.
The rapid commercialization of the Epyx Multi-Fuel Processor coincides
with government initiatives that call for an increased use of renewable
fuels - such as ethanol - in the transportation industry by the year 2005.
Epyx market approach focuses on using the existing fuel infrastructure -
estimated to be a $200 billion investment - while alternative renewable fuels
and power distribution systems are being developed. "This is the bridge to
the future that will revolutionize the way we develop and utilize alternative
energy sources," states Bentley. This is the future of energy."
Epyx is dedicated to becoming the premier manufacturer and supplier of
reforming technology. Its unique Multi-Fuel Processor converts renewable and
hydrocarbon fuels to hydrogen for use in advanced fuel cell systems. Known
for their in-depth technical knowledge and experience developing hydrogen
generation power solutions, the world-class staff of Epyx is committed to
reducing the threat of global warming by delivering clean, efficient, low-cost
applications to the portable power, stationary power, and transportation
markets around the world.
Arthur D. Little, Inc., is a global strategic consulting firm with offices
located around the globe. The company links an organization's product and
service innovation management, business process management, and knowledge
management with its strategy to improve business performance.
SOURCE Epyx Corporation
