FuelCell Energy Completes Successful Demonstration of ‘On-the-Fly’ Dual Fuel Operation of Fuel Cell with Standard Propane

Here's a very interesting application of propane:

DANBURY, Conn. FuelCell Energy, Inc., a leading manufacturer of ultra-clean electric power generation plants for commercial, industrial and government customers, today announced the successful demonstration of its stationary power plants’ ability to switch rapidly between fuels, validating the systems’ capacity to guard against fuel supply interruptions from natural disasters or security issues at mission-critical facilities.

Evaluated in conjunction with Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), operators of the Department of Defense (DoD) Fuel Cell Test and Evaluation Center (FCTec) in Johnstown, Pa., the power plant continued to generate base load electricity on a secondary fuel supply (propane) when the loss of its primary fuel source (natural gas) was triggered during testing. This rapid fuel switch was successfully demonstrated more than 40 times during operations exceeding 3000 hours.

The R&D project is being sponsored by the federal government to demonstrate the “dual fuel” capability of Direct FuelCell power plants. CTC is the primary contractor to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, involving its Engineer Research and Development Center's Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL). FuelCell Energy and CTC operated a sub-megawatt DFC power plant on HD-5 propane fuel at full load achieving an electrical efficiency of 46 percent. The Johnstown plant continues to operate, having accumulated a total of 3060 hours on propane and generated 425 Megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity as of June 28, 2006. The plant also operated 550 hours on natural gas - generating an additional 45 MWh.“

Successful dual fuel testing demonstrates DFC power plants can be a vital part of our nation's homeland security efforts by providing ultra-clean, firm base load power at mission-critical facilities,” said Christopher R. Bentley, Executive Vice President of Government Research and Development Operations. “On-the-fly switching among fuel sources enhances the flexibility and value of our DFC products.”

Propane, a readily available fuel that can easily be stored onsite, is used as a primary fuel in isolated or sensitive locations such as islands, remote sites, national parks, data centers, military bases, hotels, and hospitals, and, therefore, is an ideal backup fuel for DFC power plants. The DoD can enhance the energy reliability at its facilities around the world by using HD-5 propane in conjunction with FuelCell Energy's DFC power plants.

Rapid fuel switching from natural gas to propane and back again was achieved on more than 40 fuel swaps at various load levels while the plant was generating power. The fuel swap to backup propane occurs instantaneously when the system detects natural gas pressure dropping below a predetermined trigger point.

Improved in-line fuel utilization measurement technology was also successfully tested, improving fuel flow control. This is important for propane operation since a rapid change in fuel composition occurs when filling the propane fuel tank. This technology played a key role in achieving the rapid validation of the instantaneous fuel switching.

With increasing focus on establishing effective homeland security measures, the rapid fuel switching capability of FuelCell Energy's DFC products can provide enhanced on-site power generation options for facilities where reliable 24/7 power is essential, said Franklin H. Holcomb, CERL's Fuel Cell Team Project Leader. “Multiple fuel operation is part of the rapid evolution of fuel cells as a replacement for conventional electric power where high efficiency, increased reliability, reduced harmful emissions and lower noise levels are key requirements for installation.”

Testing validated the DFC power plant is capable of continuous long-term high-load high-efficiency operation on propane, as well as instantaneous fuel switching from natural gas to propane in the event of loss of natural gas supply without loss of power. The unit can also switch back to natural gas from propane, instantaneously and on-load, once natural gas service is restored.

The project is supported by funding through DoD, the U.S. Army and ERDC-CERL.

Source: Fuel Cell Today: link

Central Gas Systems from HBH Gas Systems

Propane School Buses gain traction: Propane School Bus considered in California

A school near St. Helena, California is considering purchasing a Propane-powered school bus! Moving away from a dependency on the more pollutive fossil fuels, schools with Propane School Buses promote green living in a practical way.

Central Gas Systems from HBH Gas Systems can fuel refilling stations where these Propane School Buses can refuel. Other propane powered vehicles, such as police and taxi fleets, can also use these refueling stations fueled by Central Gas Systems. Eco-friendly propane-powered lawn care equipment and golf carts can also be fueled by a Central Gas System.

Learn more about propane school buses here:

http://www.sthelenastar.com/articles/2008/02/21/features/community/doc47bd370d8f7eb905516265.txt

Request more information about HBH Gas Systems by visiting this link.

HBH Gas Systems to Install Central Propane System at Falconhead West Development Near Austin, Texas

Austin, TX -- January 28, 2008 -- HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas Partners, LP have announced the installation of a Central Propane Gas System to fuel the Falconhead West development located in Bee Cave, Texas just west of Austin. The propane system will provide propane gas utilities to all of the 453 lots that will be available at final build-out. Central Propane Systems provide propane gas utilities to developments located off the natural gas grid. The propane gas is metered and billed just like natural gas and is supplied from a single, centralized propane tank.


The Developer of Falconhead West wanted the marketing advantages of gas supplied and operated by a large, competent company that has demonstrated sufficient capacity to serve a development of this size. The team at HBH Gas Systems has unsurpassed expertise in the implementation of propane systems designed to serve off-grid developments. HBH Gas Systems will oversee the design and implementation of the propane system at Falconhead West, while Ferrellgas will own and operate the system.

Central Propane Systems offer the developer the option of steering their off-grid developments away from carbon-heavy electricity toward more sustainable development fueled by gas. These systems are economical, saving homeowners about 50% on their heating bills when compared to electric heating. A recent American Gas Association study showed that most homeowners demand the luxury of dual fuels for their cooking and heating requirements. Homeowners in Falconhead West will have the peace-of-mind associated with using an alternative green fuel as classified by the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act.

Phase one of the Falconhead West development will consist of 166 lots, including 37 sixty-foot lots, 73 seventy-foot lots, 49 eighty-foot lots and 7 model lots. The expected house sizes range from 2,200 to 4,500 square feet with expected house prices ranging from $299,000 to $550,000.

HBH Gas Systems Raises $3.2 Million to Develop Centralized Propane Systems

From September 5, 2007:


Austin, TX (PRWebDirect) September 5, 2007 -- HBH Gas Systems is proud to announce a successful capital campaign toward the expansion and development of centralized propane systems, raising $3.2 million from a group of central Texas investors. The well-established company is currently expanding a nationwide sales team, broadening marketing efforts and an awareness campaign aimed at developers, land planners, utility consultants, and engineers.

HBH Gas Systems has formed a strategic partnership with Ferrellgas, the nation’s 2nd largest propane retailer and 17th largest energy company. Together, they provide developers which have projects located off the natural gas grid with clean burning, economical metered propane gas from a single, centralized tank that is delivered through conventional underground mains. Tony Dale, Vice President of Business Development for Ferrellgas, stated, "The partnership between HBH Gas System and Ferrellgas is one which plays well to the strength of each organization. HBH’s strong experience with developers and the construction industry fills a gap for Ferrellgas, and the decades-long propane retailing and safety experience of Ferrellgas completes the package. We look forward to many more years of continued success working together."

Harris Baker, the President of HBH Gas Systems, said, “I really couldn't be happier with the way we have been able to develop our relationship with Ferrellgas. Our central gas systems support sustainable development by providing countless social, economic, and environmental benefits to homeowners and communities nationwide.” Together, HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas have become the nation’s leading provider of Central Gas Distribution Systems. One week ago, HBH Gas Systems announced their most recent system at Montesoro, a large, private residential development located northeast of San Diego outside of Borrego Springs, California. Mr. Baker said, “The success of this campaign speaks clearly of HBH Gas Systems’ continued growth in both the near and long term. We are confident that our increased marketing efforts and our awareness campaign will bring even more new central gas systems to customers across the nation.” The group of investors includes established real estate industry veterans and others with years of marketing experience. “Our investors will add to our focus and core of knowledge while providing insight and valued guidance. The enthusiasm of our investors motivates
our efforts and lends credibility to our concept.”

An HBH Gas System allows developers working off of the natural gas grid to offer the benefits of underground metered gas to homeowners. These systems are economical and efficient, saving homeowners about 50% on their heating bills when compared to electric heating. Moreover, a recent AGA study showed that most homeowners demand the luxury of dual fuels for their cooking and heating requirements. Propane can power everything from environmentally friendly lawn equipment to space and water heaters. Homeowners in a community served by an
HBH Gas System have the peace-of-mind associated with using an alternative green fuel as classified by the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act. In fact, one home fueled by an HBH Gas System instead of coal-based electricity effectively offsets the annual carbon emissions from one average vehicle.

HBH Gas Systems specializes in the marketing, design, and implementation of fully-engineered Central Gas Distribution Systems. Each system allows all the homes in the community to be supplied with propane from a single facility, eliminating the need for individual tanks. The gas is distributed, metered, serviced and billed just like natural gas. Central Gas Distribution Systems provide developments with the economic convenience and efficiency of an environmentally responsible gas product endorsed by the EPA as an alternative fuel. HBH Gas Systems has formed a strategic alliance with Ferrellgas, the 2nd largest propane retailer and 17th largest energy company in the United States, facilitating the centralized delivery of gas to new home customers and provides central gas system consulting and construction services to select US and international companies.

To obtain more information, visit our website or contact Harris Baker at 512-306-0073.

Welcome to our blog about Residential LP Gas and Propane Distribution

Fuel your off grid development with economical, environmentally friendly propane gas. HBH Gas Systems specializes in the marketing, design, and implementation of fully-engineered central LP (propane) gas distribution systems. In qualified developments, we provide systems at no cost to the developer.