GreatPoint Energy

6. January 2009 by Mykel Pereira.

GreatPoint Energy

GreatPoint Energy
222 Third Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: 617.401.8760
Fax: 617.849.5691

GreatPoint Energy
222 S. Riverside Plaza
Suite 2750
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312.564.4485

Pilot Plant
Project and Operations Office
GreatPoint Energy – Brayton Point, LLC.
1547 Fall River Avenue
Building 3 – Suite #3B
Seekonk, MA 02771
774.901.5626 – Main Line
774.901.5815 – Office Administrator,
Kelly Jo, Direct Line
774.901.5814 – Fax

About
GreatPoint Energy is a technology-driven natural resources company and the developer of a proprietary, highly-efficient catalytic process, known as hydromethanation, by which coal, petroleum coke and biomass are converted directly into low-cost, clean, pipeline quality natural gas, while allowing for the capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2).

GreatPoint Energy plans to build, own and operate large-scale natural gas production facilities strategically located at the intersection of natural gas pipelines and low-cost feedstock, as well as at locations where the CO2 produced and captured in its process can be geologically sequestered. The Company has identified numerous such locations and is in advanced development of its first commercial facility.

The Company’s cost of production is expected to be significantly lower than current prices of new drilled natural gas and imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the natural gas it produces, called bluegas™ meets all high-grade natural gas quality specifications. It can be transported through the thousands of miles of pipelines already in place around the world and can be used interchangeably with drilled natural gas for all applications, including power generation, residential and commercial heating, and the production of chemicals.

The Company has raised $140 million to date and is backed by leading strategic investors including The Dow Chemical Company, Suncor Energy, AES Corporation, and Peabody Energy, as well as major financial institutions and venture capital firms, including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Khosla Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Advanced Technology Ventures, and Citi’s Sustainable Development Investments.

Technology

Hydromethanation is an elegant and highly efficient process by which natural gas is produced through the reaction of steam and carbonaceous solids in the presence of a catalyst. The process enables the conversion of low-cost feedstock such as coal, petroleum coke and biomass (wood waste, municipal solid waste, and energy crops such as poplar and switchgrass) into clean, high-purity methane.

The chemistry of catalytic hydromethanation involves reacting steam (2H₂O) and carbon (2C) to produce methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) according to the following reaction:

The first step in the hydromethantion process is to combine the catalyst with the feedstock in such a way as to ensure that the catalyst disperses throughout the matrix of the feedstock for effective reactivity. The catalyst/feedstock material is then loaded into the hydromethanation reactor. Inside the reactor, pressurized steam is injected to “fluidize” the mixture and ensure constant contact between the catalyst and the carbon particles. In this environment, the catalyst facilitates multiple chemical reactions between the carbon and the steam on the surface of the coal or biomass. These reactions (shown below) catalyzed in a single reactor and at the same low temperature, generate a mixture predominately composed of methane and CO₂.

The overall combination of reactions is thermally neutral, requiring no addition or removal of energy, making it highly efficient.

The proprietary catalyst formulation is made up of abundantly available, low-cost metal materials specifically designed to promote gasification at the low temperatures where water gas shift and reactions concurrently take place. The catalyst is continuously recycled and reused within the process shown below.

By adding this catalyst to the system, GreatPoint Energy is able to reduce the operating temperature in the gasifier while directly promoting the reactions that yield methane. Under these mild “catalytic” conditions, less expensive reactor components can be utilized, pipeline grade methane is produced, and very low-cost carbon sources (such as lignites, sub-bituminous coals, petroleum coke and biomass) can be used as feedstock.

As part of the overall process, the bluegas™ technology enables the recovery of contaminants in coal, petroleum coke and biomass as useful byproducts. In addition, roughly half the carbon in the feedstock is removed and captured as a pure CO₂ stream suitable for sequestration.

Hydromethanation yields dramatically improved economics for the production of natural gas and an environmental footprint equivalent to that of the most environmentally-friendly commercial fuel.

Posted in Natural Gas Techs, Air Capture Techs, Massachusetts, USA | No Comments »

Luca Technologies Inc.

6. January 2009 by Mykel Pereira.

Luca Technologies Inc.

Golden Office Gillette Office

LUCA Technologies Inc. LUCA Technologies Inc.
500 Corporate Circle PO Box 7070
Suite C Gillette, WY 82717
Golden, Colorado 80401

(303) 534-4344 Phone (307) 686-9488 Phone
(303) 534-1446 Fax (307) 686-9472 Fax
(877) 445-7082 Toll Free
info@lucatechnologies.com email

 

About
International Energy Agency

LUCA Technologies is developing a novel, long-term, biotechnology-driven solution to rising U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources. Addressing the $150 billion domestic natural gas market, the company is leveraging the ability of naturally occurring microorganisms to convert under-utilized domestic oil, organic-rich shale and coal resources to clean, renewable energy.

The company’s business is characterized by:

* A technology platform based on the discovery, characterization and management of naturally occurring consortia of ancient, anaerobic microorganisms (those that live without oxygen) that metabolize oil, organic-rich shale and coal within the earth into natural gas, thus generating clean renewable energy in a continuous, “real time” fashion. LUCA employs genomics, molecular biology and other tools of biotechnology to detect, classify and study these organisms and the underground “Geobioreactors” in which they act. Company scientists are also developing methods of managing specific consortia’s gas production capabilities in situ for the large-scale production of natural gas and potentially, hydrogen.

* A growing library of coal seam, organic-rich shale and oil field cores from massive hydrocarbon accumulations, each with its own consortia of anaerobic microorganisms for study.

* A management team whose expertise combines a long track record of developing energy resources within the oil and gas industry with scientific expertise in molecular biology, microbiology and biochemistry and their application to renewable energy.

Domestic energy needs in the United States far outstrip today’s readily accessible energy resources, which has forced an ever-increasing dependence on foreign fuels. At the same time, existing U.S. energy resources are significantly underutilized, in part due to the inefficiencies of even the most modern extraction methods employed today. LUCA is developing methods for optimizing the natural gas-producing activity of natural Geobioreactors it identifies, as well as methods of turning other energy resources - such as oil wells that are no longer actively producing - into efficiently functioning Geobioreactors. In doing so, LUCA believes it will open the door to the creation of a new industry with the potential to solve U.S. domestic energy needs long-term, as well as provide a cost-effective, reliable and renewable source of the cleanest burning hydrocarbon fuel.

LUCA is currently working to demonstrate the viability of its technology not only in the laboratory, but also in the real world. The company initially expects to provide consulting services to existing energy producers, helping them to evaluate their current oil, organic-rich shale and gas holdings for the presence of natural Geobioreactors or the potential for Geobioreactor stimulation. LUCA will then leverage the further in situ development of its technology in partnership with those oil and gas producers, and the company may also develop specific sites and Geobioreactor production programs on its own.

Technology

LUCA Technologies has recently discovered that on-going biogenic production of methane (natural gas) is taking place today in a number of large coal fields in the United States. This methane production is the result of indigenous populations of microorganisms that, in the absence of oxygen, metabolize the large hydrocarbon molecules present in coal and oil into smaller hydrocarbons, principally methane. The company describes these naturally occurring methane factories as “Geobioreactors”.

To leverage this discovery, LUCA has undertaken a program to understand and manipulate these microorganisms in order to ultimately maximize methane production in existing Geobioreactors, and hopefully stimulate its production in currently non-reactive hydrocarbon deposits. Methane is the least polluting and most energy efficient of all the available hydrocarbon fuels. LUCA believes that, if developed and managed properly, methane-producing Geobioreactors have the potential to meet U.S. energy needs for the foreseeable future.

Posted in Wyoming, Coal Techs, Chemistry Techs, Colorado, USA | No Comments »

Acciona Energy

5. January 2009 by Mykel Pereira.

 Acciona Energy

In 19 countries

The Energy Division of ACCIONA has over 200 companies in 19 countries.

The corporate purpose of most of them is the development of wind parks and the production of electricity from them. Within the wind power sector the group also has manufacturing companies that produce wind turbines.

ACCIONA Energy also has companies that operate in the thermolectric field (biomass and solar thermoelectric), solar (photovoltaic and thermal), biofuels and others.

About

World leader in renewables

ACCIONA Energía is a world leader in the renewables sector. The company has taken on the mission of demonstrating the technical and economic viability of a new energy model on the basis of criteria of sustainability.

ACCIONA Energía is present in the main clean energies, in line with their different levels of maturity and profitability. It focuses its activities on wind power, in which it is the largest developer and constructor of windparks in the world.

It is also present in other electric power generation technologies based on renewable energy sources -biomass, small hydro and solar-, and also in the manufacture of wind turbines (designed in-house) and the production and marketing of biofuels. It also has assets in the field of cogeneration.

ACCIONA Energía is currently carrying out research projects to produce hydrogen from wind power, to manufacture more efficient wind turbines and to optimize the production of biofuels.

The company has a workforce of over 1,000 people, one of the biggest and most highly qualified in the clean energies field.

The solidity of a great group

ACCIONA Energía is the energy division of ACCIONA, a leading group in infrastructures and services aimed at sustainable development and social welfare.

ACCIONA is a homogeneous and integrated business group with a focus on operations with high added value that enable it to create synergies and make profitable investments in strategic sectors.

Technology

Wind energy

A global leader in wind energy

ACCIONA Energy focuses its activity on wind energy, a field in which it has so far installed 5,577 MW at 30 September 2008. It has built 200 windparks for itself and other companies with over 5,500 turbines, making it the world leader in the development and construction of windparks. At the same time, it has 900 MW under construction and around 15,000 MW in development.

The wind power installed by ACCIONA Energy in Spain amounts to 4,471 MW.

On all five continents

As well as Spain, there are windparks installed by ACCIONA in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, Italy, Greece, Hungary, France, India, Portugal, South Korea, Mexico and Morocco. Of these, 142 windparks (4,105 MW) are owned by the Group, with an attributable capacity of 3,285 MW. The 58 windparks built for other companies account for 1,472 MW.

ACCIONA is currently building windparks in most of the above mentioned countries.

Current projects are being carried out in the United Kingdom, Croacia, Poland and Slovenia.

Production

In 2007, ACCIONA Energy produced a total of 7,494 GWh of wind energy, of which 6,316 GWh were produced in Spain and 1,178 GWh in other countries. Attributable wind energy generation reached 5,570 GWh.

In the first nine months of 2008, the wind energy production was 5,840 GWh (4,784 GWh in Spain and 1,056 GWh in other countries). The attributable wind energy generation was 4,620 GWh.

Mini hydro

19 small hydro plants in operation

ACCIONA Energy has 19 small hydro power plants located in different river basins in Navarre (Spain). Their total installed capacity is 58.79 MW.

In 2007 hydroelectric production from these plants reached 193 million kilowatt-hours. Until September 2008, the power output was 182 GWh.

ACCIONA also handles the operation and maintenance of another six hidroelectrical plants.

Biomass

Three plants in operation and seven under development

ACCIONA Energy is present in the field of biomass with three plants that total 33 MW of installed capacity. They produced around 240 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) a year.

The largest is a 25 MW cereal straw-fired plant in Sangüesa (Navarre), a pioneering facility in southern Europe in the exploitation of this source of renewable energy. Its average annual output is around 200 million kWh.

In addition to the Sangüesa plant, ACCIONA Energy has biomass plants in Talosa (province of Soria) and Pinasa (Cuenca), each one with 4 MW capacity.

New projects

The company is giving a boost to the biomass business in Spain. It plans to install seven new plants in different Spanish regions, which will be entering into operation between 2010 and 2012. They total 110 MW of capacity, 306 million euros investment and an estimated annual output of 880 million kWh. These facilities will represent 175 direct and 515 indirect new jobs, mainly devoted to primary sector.

In the region of Castilla y León, it is developing three new plants summing 55 MW of installed capacity and represent an investment of 140 million euros. The three facilities -located in Almazán (Soria) -15 MW-, Briviesca (Burgos) -15 MW- and Valencia de don Juan (León) -25 MW- will be participated by the Regional Energy Board (EREN).

Altogether the three plants will produce around 440 million kWh a year, equivalent to the demand of 180,000 homes. They will also create 300 jobs and will avoid the emission of 423,000 tonnes of CO2.

The plants planned in Castilla-La Mancha are located in Mohorte (Cuenca) and Alcázar de San Juan (Ciudad Real), with a total investment of 86 M€.

ACCIONA also projects to install a 15 MW biomass plant in Miajadas (Cáceres) and a 10 MW one in Utiel (Valencia)

Solar energy

Leaders in solar energy

ACCIONA works with all three solar technologies - concentrating solar power (CSP), photovoltaic and solar hot water - amounting to a total owned capacity of 194 MW, of which 113 MW are owned by the company.

The company has so far installed 81.32 MW for other companies, of which 66.18 MW are photovoltaic, 14.14 MW are solar heating and 1 MW are CSP.

Technology	Owned capacity	Capacity for other companies	Total capacity
CSP	64.00	1	65.00
Hot water	0.72	14.14	14.86

The largest concentrating solar power plant in 17 years

In June 2007, in the state of Nevada (USA), ACCIONA connected to the grid the the largest CSP facility of its type in the world in the last 17 years: the 64 MW Nevada Solar One plant. The company has a 97.7% stake in the facility, which is operational since June 2007.

ACCIONA has various CSP plants under development in Spain - all of which have a capacity of 50 MW - and is also involved in major projects in the south-western United States.

The leading developer of photovoltaic energy in Spain

The photovoltaic capacity installed by ACCIONA at 30 September 2008 amounts to 114.44 MW. Through its subsidiary ACCIONA Solar, the Group has developed the concept of “huertas solares” (solar gardens), a system that has allowed more than 3.500 people to become owners of photovoltaic installations.

The “huertas solares” installed by the company - 18 in total - amount to a capacity of 61,5 MW and are located in diferent Spanish regions.

ACCIONA is currently building what will be the biggest solar photovoltaic plant in the world in Moura (Portugal), with a capacity of 46 MW. It is expected to be fully grid-connected by December 2008.

Solar hot water

In the field of thermal solar energy (solar hot water), ACCIONA Solar has installed 14 MW to date, virtually all of which has been for other companies.

The company is the leader in the installation of this technology in Spain.

Energy efficient building

ACCIONA is also involved in the field of energy efficient buildings, incorporating solar technology as much as possible.

The most notable example of this is ACCIONA Solar’s head office, a building which consumes 52% less energy than a conventional building of the same characteristics, thanks to the use of numerous measures for using energy efficiently and making energy savings, covering 48% of its needs from photovoltaic solar power - electricity; thermal solar power - climate control; and biodiesel.

This means that the office is classified as a “zero emissions” building, as it can cover its energy requirements without emitting CO2.

Biofuels

In biodiesel and bioethanol

ACCIONA Energy works in the area of biofuels for transport, a sector which represents over 30% of the greenhouse gas emissions in the OCDE countries and 50% of the global oil demand (67% in the European Union).

The company has already presence in the field of biodiesel, with a 70,000-tonnes production plant in Navarra, and a 200,000-tonnes one under construction in Bilbao. It also owns a 26,000-tonnes bioethanol plant in Castilla-La Mancha (central Spain).

The European Commission has set the objective of a 5.75% quota for biofuels in road transport consumption by 2010. Spain has adopted that goal by establishing a 5.83% quota in the Plan for Renewable Energies, approved by the Government in 2005. The EU plans to increase that goal up to 10% in 2020.

Wind turbines

ACCIONA Windpower, a global supplier

ACCIONA Windpower, is the ACCIONA’s subsidiary company that works on the design, manufacture, field assembly and marketing of wind turbines,  based on the experience of the group to which it belongs in the operation and maintenance of wind power facilities worldwide. It produces 1,500 kW and 3,000 kW wind turbines which have been designed from the point of view of the wind farm operator interested in achieving the best performance throughout the working life of the machine.In 2007 ACCIONA Windpower produced 582 turbines (873 MW). This figure is higher than the company’s production in the three previous years and duplicates the 2006 figure (426 MW), thus consolidating its position in the world ranking of major wind turbine manufacturers. The company expects to finish this year with over 1,500 MW of new capacity installed.

For years after having launched the AW-1500, one of the most reliable wind turbines in the market of the megawatt segment, ACCIONA Windpower introduced the new AW-3000 at Windpower 2008 Exhibition in Houston (Texas, USA) last June. It is based on the same concept of strong, reliable and durable wind turbine as its successful predecessor and extent our capacity to meet the rising market expectations.

Four wind turbine assembly plants

ACCIONA Windpower has four wind turbine manufacturing facilities, two in Spain, one in China and one in the USA. Their total annual production capacity is 2,625 MW.

ACCIONA Windpower also has an assembly plant for hubs and other components in Toledo (Spain) and will build a blade production plant in Navarre (Spain) in 2008; its opening is planned for the end of the same year.

Turbines in wind parks in twelve countries

By the end of 2008 ACCIONA Windpower turbines will have been installed in wind parks in twelve countries: Spain, the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, China, South Korea, Italy, Greece, France, the UK and Poland.

A good part of these projects have been (or will be) carried out by other companies with which ACCIONA Windpower has signed contracts for the supply of turbines. This modality will increase over the next few years.

Working on design since 1997

The technology developed by ACCIONA Windpower is the result of more than fourteen years of knowledge accumulated by one of the most technical teams in the world on the operation and maintenance of wind parks.

The ACCIONA Group’s experience and acumen gained from the management of wind parks containing thousands of wind turbines of different technologies installed in various countries has been the cornerstone to the succesful development of our technology.

Before launching series production of the AW 1500 the company installed three prototypes of a 1300 kW in 2000-2002, followed by twenty units of the same model in a wind park in Navarre.

Work on the series production of the 1.5 MW machine started in 2004. To date, over 2,000 units have been assemblied.

Posted in Biomass Techs, Spain, Biofuel Techs, Solar Techs, Wind Techs | No Comments »

Mykel Pereira

5. January 2009 by Mykel Pereira.

My apologies for the lack of posts over the past two months.  My studies and playing for the NCAA soccer national title have consumed most of my time.

-Mykel

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

APowerCap Technologies, LLC

26. October 2008 by Mykel Pereira.

US
541 Jefferson Ave. Suite 100
Redwood City, CA  94063, USA
Tel: +1 650 206 2323

Eastern Europe
21, Lobanovskoho Str, block 6,
Chaiki, Kiev-Svyatoshin District, Kyiv Region, 08130, Ukraine
Tel: +(380)44 569 5678
Fax: +(380)44 569 5679

About

APowerCap Technologies, LLC (APCT) is a company backed by a pioneering Ukrainian venture capital firm TechInvest. Incorporated in the U.S. in 2006, APCT has R&D and production facilities in Kyiv, Ukraine. APCT develops breakthrough ultracapacitor-based power modules for wide range of applications.

APCT technologies will bring new level of efficiency to dozens of verticals, including vehicles (hybrid, PHEV, electro), consumer electronics, telecommunications, energy generation, quality power supply and others.

APowerCap development team has been conducting research in the field of ultracapacitors for more than 17 years. R&D on ultracapacitors began within the framework of a special project of the Ministry of Electronics of the former Soviet Union. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, members of the R&D team established a company, which offered contract R&D services for international clients in ultracapacitor technology. Among its clients were Skeleton Technologies (former SuperFarad), Idaho National Laboratory, Ener1, Inc.

In 2005, ultracapacitor technology project became a finalist of Ukrainian High-Tech Competition, and successfully presented the technology to international VC investors at SVOD Technology conference in Silicon Valley. In 2006, APowerCap Technologies was established and received seed investment from TechInvest.

APCT R&D team has a number of Ukrainian and Russian patents on ultracapacitors technology and ultracapacitor parts, which were transferred to APCT. Based on the know-how accumulated by the R&D team, APCT has filed two US patents.

Ultracapacitor prototypes, developed by APCT, have been tested by leading industry experts, including:

• ABB Research Center (Sweden, 1996-1997)
• INEEL (1997-1998)
• ITS, Davis, CA (1997-2006)

Test results of APCT ultracapacitor prototypes of 55 F, were highly appreciated by participants of the 16th International Seminar on Double Layer Capacitors & Hybrid Energy Storage Devices in 2006. According to Dr. Burke, a recognized expert in ultracapacitors and relative technologies, APCT ultracapacitors have superior performance comparing with other developers. «The RC time constant of the APowerCap cell is significantly lower and its peak power is considerably higher than any ultracapacitor previously tested from other developers», said Andrew Burke.

Tests have demonstrated that APCT has achieved the best results in the world in ultracapacitor performance and is able to achieve best cost advantage.

Technology

Key Features:

• novel organic electrolytes based on alkylamino phosphonium or alkylammonium salts and polar aprotic solvents
• low-cost porous carbons as electrode materials and technology for purification of these carbons
• special technique for electrode/electrolyte preparation together with some peculiarity of SC assembling and pre-starting (aging) procedure
• novel methods to significantly reduce ultracap inner resistance

Over the past decade or two ultracapacitors force their way to the market through the strong competition from advanced batteries. Today NiMH and in particular Li-ion batteries demonstrate the power density as high as 0.6-1 kW/kg (though at the expense of lower energy density, shorter cycle life and overheating). Therefore, to become competitive, ultracapacitors must demonstrate the power density much higher than 1 kW/kg providing at the same time the long cycle life. The best of our competitors and ultracapacitor manufacturers demonstrate 1-3 kW/kg at 95% efficiency, while our prototypes demonstrate 5-6 kW/kg.

Fig. 1  Comparison of APCT ultracapacitor power and energy density with major competitors:

Fig. 2  Ragone plot based on ITS test results presented at the Advanced Capacitor World Summit, San Diego in July 2008:

Fig. 3  Ragone plot (normalized) based on ITS test results presented at the Advanced Capacitor World Summit, San Diego in July 2008:

Another obstacle for ultracapacitors on the path to the market is cost of carbon. Nanoporous carbon, which is used as electrode material in supercapacitors, is rather expensive, and it typically contributes about 35% to the total cost. APCT has utilized carbon, which is 4 times cheaper than that used by its major competitors.

APCT middle and large devices can demonstrate the same performance being 2 or 3 times smaller (due to much higher power density), this means that APCT uses 2-3 times less material than competitors.
Currently, APCT research team is focused on achieving the following:

• to reduce ESR, in particular, to reduce the contact resistance at C/Al interface due to modification of Al current collector
• to modify some of the natural carbonaceous materials in order to produce low-cost nanoporous carbon electrodes
• to best match the electrode nanoporous texture with ion size in organic electrolytes
• to optimize the ratio between nanopores and ion transport channels in the electrode texture
• to optimize the electrode thickness
• to protect the Al current collector from anode corrosion
• to develop special fire retardant agents to assure safety

Products

APowerCap offers ultracapacitors that have been designed using our proprietary breakthrough ultracapacitor technology. This unique technology allowed us to reach values of specific power that exceed 5 kW/kg at a 95% efficiency that corresponds to more than 20 kW/kg at a 50%, keeping the energy density within 1.5-4.5 Wh/kg despite the use of low-cost nanoporous carbon.

Our major goal is to satisfy global market requirements for ultracapacitors in both performance and price. We offer products for prices that at least 20% lower, compared to products with similar voltage/capacitance rates already available on the market.

APowerCap has designed ultracapacitors with outstanding performance that have been recognized by the leading industry experts to be the best in the world in terms of power density. APowerCap ultracapacitors can be used for a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, power quality systems, automotive industry and many others. Feel free to contact us to discuss usage of our ultracapacitors in your application.

APCT products consists of two major categories:

Pic.1 Single ultracapacitor cells in hard Al enclosure in the range of 480F to 550F, 2.7V

Pic.2 Single ultracapacitor cells in soft Al enclosure in the range of 4F to 550F, 2.7V

On the basis of these single ultracapacitor elements, APCT may develop and produce wide product range of high quality modules, with different voltages and capacitance values. Our best modules are made with this type of cell. They are the most efficient, perform the best in most conditions, and last the longest.

APCT’s R&D team may also produce preproduction pilot samples as a single element or modules;

We pride ourselves on a unique combination of high quality, competitive technology innovation, excellent technical knowledge and outstanding customer service.

Quality to us is paramount! We only deal with quality assured manufacturers of the raw materials and our quality commitment permeates our working practices at every level.

Posted in Ukraine, Energy Storage Techs, California, Automotive Techs | 1 Comment »

LDK Solar Co., Ltd.

26. October 2008 by Mykel Pereira.

Factory：Hi - Tech industrial Park Xinyu Jiangxi P. R. C. ZIP：338032 WEB: www.ldksolar.com E-mail: ir@ldksolar.com ; sales@ldksolar.com LDK  Solar USA,Inc. 1290 Oakmead Parkway ,Suite 306 Sunnyvale ,   CA 94085   USA TEL: +1-408-245-0858 Fax: +1-408 245 8802

About As the worldwide demand for electricity increases and the historical reliance on fossil fuels is being challenged by increasing environmental awareness, the focus has turned to renewable energy sources. As a reliable and versatile form of renewable energy, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are expected to become a dominant energy source. According to market research, PV is expected to account for over 50% of the world’s total electricity generated by renewable energy sources by 2070. LDK Solar is a pure-play manufacturer dedicated solely to the design, development, manufacturing and distribution of multicrystalline solar wafers. Wafers are the principal raw material used to produce solar cells, which are devices capable of converting sunlight into electricity. Their manufacturing process is based on proprietary production processes utilizing both virgin and recyclable polysilicon for ingot production. Through this proprietary process, they are able to offer their global solar cell and module manufacturer customers considerable cost advantages while maintaining quality and performance. LDK Solars also provides wafering services to both multicrystalline and monocrystalline solar cell and module manufacturers. LDK Solar made their first commercial shipment of solar wafers in April 2006 and have quickly become one of the leading manufacturers in the industry, with their annual production capacity expected to increase to 400 megawatts, or MW by the end of 2007 from 215 MW as of March 31, 2007. Their headquarters and their large scale, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are located in Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Xinyu city, Jiangxi province in the People’s Republic of China. Products LDK Solar manufactures and sells multicrystalline solar wafers. They currently produce and sell multicrystalline wafers in two principal sizes of 125 by 125 mm and 156 by 156 mm, with thicknesses from 180 and 240 microns. LDK also provides wafering services to both monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar cell and module manufactures, which provide us their own ingots to be sliced. They charge a fee based on the number of wafers to be sliced. The main technological process of multi-crystalline wafers contains: ingot and wire saw. Strategic relationships with world class PV equipment manufacturers GT Solar(USA) HCT (Switzerland), support LDK on equipment, process and technology.Cooperate with Shanghai Jiaotong University formed “Shanghai Jiaotong University-LDK Solar R&D Lab” engages in industry leading or LDK R&D projects, endeavor together toreach state-level lab, supply technology support for LDK to develop into a world class wafer manufacture. Cooperate with Nanchang University formed “Nanchang University-LDK Solar Research Center”, research in projects such as wafer purification, crystallization improvement, and wire breakage reduction etc. Ingot         1、Muticrystalline DSS capacity : 275kg/ingot （standard） 2、Ingot size: 690mm（L）× 690mm（W）×240mm（H） Multi-crystalline wafer Conductivity type：P Dimension: 103×103±0.5mm ，125×125±0.5mm，150×150±0.5mm，156×156±0.5mm，210×210±0.5mm Shape：Square Resistivity：0.5Ω/cm-3Ω/cm Lifetime： ≥2μs Oxygen concentration ≤ 1×1018atom/cm3 Carbon concentration ≤ 5×1016atom/cm3 Thickness：200μm± 20μm, 220μm± 20μm,240μm± 20μm TTV：≤ 50 μm BOW：≤ 30 μm Saw mark：≤ 10 μm Chips：L≤1mm, D≤1mm,Max. 2 places Crack and pinhole： no cracks and pin holes visible with the naked eyes 125×125 150×150 156×156 210×210 Mono-crystalline wafer Lifetime: ≥10μs BOW：≤35 μm Resistivity: 0.5—3，3—6，6—10Ω·cm Oxygen concentration ≤ 1×1018atom/cm3 Carbon concentration ≤ 5×1016atom/cm3 Dimension: 125mmX125mm±0.5mm ,156mmX156mm±0.5mm Thickness: 200μm ,220μm, 240μm(±20μm) TTV：≤ 50 μm Squareness Angle Variety : ＜0.6mm Squareness Angle: 90°±0.25° Crystal direction : ≤100≥ 125×125 156×156

Posted in China, California, Solar Techs, USA | 1 Comment »

EnerDel Inc.

26. October 2008 by Mykel Pereira.

EnerDel, INC. - Lithium Power Systems

8740 Hague Rd
Indianapolis, IN
United States of America
46256
+1-317-585-3456
+1-317-585-3444

About

EnerDel is developing Lithium-ion battery (LIB) solutions for automotive manufacturers that will improve the performance, fuel-efficiency and cost of HEVs. EnerDel’s new, highly reliable and safe batteries are designed to be lighter in weight, occupy less space, provide more power, more energy and have a longer life than the nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries found in today’s HEVs.

EnerDel will manufacture its batteries in Indiana utilizing a unique, highly automated manufacturing process. EnerDel expects to succeed as being the first company to cost-competitively mass-produce a Li-ion battery in the United States. By serving as a local supplier of advanced performance batteries, EnerDel is able to contribute to the success of the automotive companies who manufacture hybrid electric vehicles in North America.

EnerDel’s lithium ion batteries (LIBs) offer advantages beyond the automotive sector. EnerDel’s HEV battery technology can also be used for specialty battery applications such as military and aerospace, asset tracking, medical and other select markets.

Products

EnerDel currently develops lithium ion cells for a variety of applications. They also provide integrated systems consisting of cells, management controls, and mechanical packaging.

Li-ion Cells

 EnerDel has developed advanced lithium-ion battery technologies for use in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (“HEV”), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (“PHEV”) and Electric Vehicle (“EV”) applications. EnerDel is developing the core lithium titanate battery technology for HEVs and PHEVs under awards from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (“USABC”). USABC is a consortium of three major U.S. auto manufacturers (Ford, General Motors and Chrysler) with funding provided by the Department of Energy. In addition, EnerDel has developed an EV lithium-ion battery designed to achieve the higher energy density required for EVs, such as for the Th!nk City EV.EnerDel believes that their batteries and technology offer significant competitive advantages because of their safety, power, energy and other performance characteristics. Additionally, their battery packs are designed to accommodate all of the complex electronic and design features of automotive applications.EnerDel’s technology stems from initial developments with Argonne National Laboratory, combined with industry know-how and expertise from the lithium-ion industry in Japan, as well as systems expertise from the automotive industry, including from Delphi Corporation. Controls Management

EnerDel can offer smart electronics to manage the following system functions:

• Charge / Discharge
• Thermal Management
• Cell Balancing
• State of Charge (SOC) / State of Health

For ease of integration software is also developed by EnerDel to allow for external monitoring of battery status.

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Electronic Controls DiagramSystems Integration

Product Engineering Strong experience in battery product development: R&D, Design, Build, Test, Validation Automotive and non-automotive High-voltage Power Systems Manufacturing Engineering Quality controls Lean principles Battery Pack Products 12 Volt Battery Pack 4A-hour “smart pack Designed for transportation / industrial applications Flexible architecture for varying capacities and cell characteristics 24 Volt Battery Pack Standard product for control systems, telecom, battery backup, and UPS applications Flexible electronic architecture for ~20V to 40V systems 80 Volt battery pack 1% accurate SOC and real-time impedance reporting Communication: I²C & UART Certified to UN shipping requirements

Posted in Indiana, Energy Storage Techs, Automotive Techs, USA | No Comments »

GreatPoint Energy

26. October 2008 by Mykel Pereira.

GreatPoint Energy
info@greatpointenergy.com

GreatPoint Energy
222 Third Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: 617.401.8760
Fax: 617.849.5691

GreatPoint Energy
222 S. Riverside Plaza
Suite 2750
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312.564.4485

About
GreatPoint Energy is a technology-driven natural resources company commercializing catalytic gasification to convert abundant coal, petroleum coke and biomass into low-cost natural gas (methane) while capturing and sequestering CO2.

Utilizing its proprietary conversion and carbon capture technology, GreatPoint Energy develops bluegas™, coal-derived natural gas. bluegas™ is 99.5 percent pure methane and can be transported throughout North America utilizing existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure, providing an attractive, cost-effective alternative to drilled and imported natural gas. Its environmental profile is as clean as natural gas; it consists mostly of hydrogen and therefore, has very low carbon emissions. Moreover, bluegas™ can be used in every application that natural gas is currently being used (i.e., power generation, residential and commercial heating, and production of chemicals).

Technology

GreatPoint Energy is following in the footsteps of the petroleum refining industry by implementing a more advanced and lower cost process for refining carbon-based feedstocks. In the early days of petroleum production, oil refineries - like today’s coal gasifiers - relied on intense heat (called thermal cracking) to break down heavy crude oil into light useable petroleum products. In the 1940’s however, scientists discovered that a catalyst could be used to minimize the amount of heat required. This lower cost and higher efficiency approach quickly replaced thermal cracking in oil refineries around the world.

GreatPoint Energy’s technology uses the same basic technique to “refine” coal by employing a novel catalyst to “crack” the carbon bonds and transform the coal into clean burning methane (natural gas). This single stage process is called catalytic coal methanation and forms the basis of the GreatPoint Energy bluegas™ process.

By adding a catalyst to the coal gasification system, GreatPoint Energy is able to reduce the operating temperature in the gasifier, while directly promoting the reactions that yield methane, CH₄. Under these mild “catalytic” conditions, less expensive reactor components are required, pipeline grade methane is produced, and very low cost carbon sources (such as lignites, sub-bituminous coals, tar sands, petroleum coke and petroleum resid) can be used as feedstocks.

In addition, GreatPoint Energy’s catalytic coal methanation process eliminates troublesome ash removal and slagging problems; reduces maintenance requirements; increases thermal efficiency; and eliminates the air separation plant (a system which alone accounts for 20 percent of the capital cost of most gasification systems).

Posted in Illinois, Air Capture Techs, Massachusetts | No Comments »

Ausra, Inc.

26. October 2008 by Mykel Pereira.

Ausra, Inc.

Ausra, Inc.
2585 East Bayshore Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94303

phone: 650.424.9300
fax: 650.494.3893

Email:
General Information: info@ausra.comAbout
Ausra develops and deploys utility-scale solar technologies to serve global electricity needs in a dependable, market competitive, environmentally responsible manner.

Amid growing public demand for clean energy, Ausra offers solar thermal electric power stations that provide large-scale low-cost, reliable, renewable energy. Unlike competing approaches, Ausra’s technology is proven, easily manufactured and installed, and scalable to high volume.

Ausra’s zero-carbon power plants generate electricity at current market prices for fossil-fired power without the emissions caused by burning fuels. Solar concentrators boil water with focused sunlight, generating high-pressure steam that drives conventional turbine generators. Low-cost thermal energy storage systems now under development by Ausra will allow solar electric power to be generated on demand, day and night.

Electric utilities in the U.S. and worldwide are under growing pressure to expand their deliveries of clean, renewable power. The Ausra team brings together expertise in solar energy research, engineering, manufacturing, power project development and finance to address this need. The company designs, manufactures and deploys low-cost, large-scale, solar electric power stations, selling electric power at prices competitive with today’s fossil-fired generation.

Ausra’s core technology, the Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector (CLFR) solar collector and steam generation system, was originally conceived in the early 1990s at Sydney University. It was first commercialized by Solar Heat and Power Pty Ltd. in 2004 in Australia and is now being refined and built at large scale by Ausra around the world.

CLFR technology has significant advantages in cost, scalability and emissions profile. Ausra develops large-scale power projects incorporating CLFR solar fields, and helps utilities generate clean energy for millions of customers.

Innovation in Action

• Research and Development: Ausra’s core group of chemists, physicists and engineers are working on optics, coatings, materials and manufacturing processes to improve the performance and reduce the cost of solar collector systems, thermal energy storage systems and power plant cooling systems. Their ongoing refinements to Ausra’s technology will continue to reduce costs and extend Ausra’s leadership in these fields.
• Engineering: Ausra’s engineering managers and engineers come from a variety of disciplines across the electric power industry. The team optimizes Ausra’s existing technologies for production, and brings new technologies from R&D into volume manufacturing. Ausra partners with leading consulting engineering firms to test and verify energy production and lifecycle performance of its plants.
• Manufacturing: Ausra’s approach to solar plant production emphasizes manufacturing facilities located near power plants, low-cost commodity materials (steel, glass and concrete), and mass produced components. Ausra operates its own production facilities for the manufacture of its solar collectors to deliver the highest performance at lowest possible system costs.
• Project Management: Ausra draws experts from many sectors of the energy industry to manage land permits, project finance and power purchase agreements. The team has a strong track record of success with multiple generations of technologies.

Solar Thermal Electric Power is Energy Independence and Security
We have a secure source of electric power with guaranteed stable prices, no emissions, and the ability to scale to meet all our needs. With a 20-year track record of over 99 percent availability, solar thermal electric power has proven to be a dependable source of electric power for America’s growing energy needs. Solar power is entirely domestically produced, is protected against fuel price and availability fluctuations, and is secure against future costs of carbon emissions.

Ausra’s innovations in collector design dramatically reduce the cost of solar thermal generation equipment and bring solar

power to prices directly competitive with fossil fuel power.

Using Ausra’s current solar technologies, all U.S. electric power, day and night, can be generated using a land area smaller than 92 by 92 miles.

Ausra’s business will benefit local economies by bringing “green collar” manufacturing and operating jobs to rural communities. By delivering clean, reliable energy at market-competitive prices, Ausra will help meet America’s growing needs for climate-friendly power while maintaining consumer-friendly prices.

Posted in California, Solar Techs, USA | No Comments »

Sopogy

23. September 2008 by Mykel Pereira.

Sopogy

Corporate Solar Solutions Center
2660 Waiwai Loop
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
US Toll Free: (866) 767-6491, (866-Sopogy1)
International Phone: (808) 237-2409
FAX: (808) 356-0565

West Coast Solar Solutions Center
1735 Technology Drive, Suite 400
San Jose, California 95110
US Toll Free: (866) 767-6491, (866-Sopogy1)
FAX: (408) 351-8883

Southwest USA Solar Solutions Center
2942 N 24^th Street, Suite 114
Phoenix, AZ 85016
US Toll Free: (866) 767-6491, (866-Sopogy1)
FAX: (602) 391-2000What They Do
Sopogy is a leader in MicroCSP technologies that bring the economics of proven large scale Concentrating Power Systems (CSP) to the distributed generation markets. MicroCSP technologies are used to create Process Heat, Solar Air Conditioning or Electrical Power. For more information on the technology visit our How It Works page.

About

Originally founded in 2002 at the Energy Laboratories an energy concept incubator of Energy Industries, Sopogy is focused at bringing a new renewable energy technology to the market. The future is clean power, green systems and LEED™ smart buildings. The Sopogy energy system is enabling the solar energy revolution and for our customers “every day is a Sopogy day™”.

Philosophy
Sopogy is dedicated to helping their customers achieve their renewable energy goals. Using their solar energy systems to produce electricity, process heat or solar A/C we maximize energy production while minimizing costs.

Mission
Sopogy’s mission is to invent, manufacture and sell the world’s most innovative and affordable solar collectors. Their company strives to become part of the solution to global problems including climate change, energy security and sustainability.

Goals:

* Establish a global solar energy brand.
* Make solar energy competitive to fossil fuel energy worldwide.
* Achieve entrepreneurial success.
* Create solar solutions that improve the quality of life for all human kind.
* Bring order and simplicity to the chaos which is the current solar power business.

Technology

Sopogy MicroCSP technologies present a new and unique approach to harnessing the power of the sun.

Posted in Hawaii, California, Solar Techs, USA, Arizona | No Comments »