Unique technology in environment-friendly buses

Unique technology in environment-friendly buses Imagine a bus without hazardous emissions. A bus where only clean water comes out of the exhaust pipe. Fuel cell engines make just such a bus a reality. And they are no longer an abstract dream for the future. In Sweden the first buses powered by fuel cells are entering service. Today, Stockholm Transport buses powered by fuel cells are taking to the streets of the Swedish capital. "The development of fuel cell vehicles is now entering a period of expansion and it is an exciting challenge being one of the leading companies in the development of truly environment-friendly vehicles which will mean a better, healthier world," says Sven G. Oskarsson, CEO of Opcon. Opcon was quick to see the potential of fuel cells as a power source for vehicles. The company therefore invested strategically in the development of compressors and air systems designed for fuel cells. The Opcon subsidiary, Opcon Autorotor AB, is today a world leader in its field and participates in most of the well-known development projects for fuel cell engines. These engines are being manufactured all over the world by companies such as Ballard, GM, Ford, Renault, Fiat, Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler. The air system is a key component of a fuel cell engine because it plays a decisive role in improving performance. In a fuel cell engine a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen creates the electrical energy that is converted into mechanical energy. Clean water is the only emission from this reaction. The air system is used to supply the oxygen that is needed to generate electricity in the fuel cell. The fuel cell becomes more powerful as the air pressure is increased. Climate problems such as global warming and the limited reserves of natural resources such as oil mean that societies need to develop cleaner engines with reduced emissions. New technology is needed to meet current and future emission norms. Many people recognise that the solution is clear - fuel cells are the new technology that will replace traditional combustion engines in our cars, buses, trucks, ships and other forms of transport in the future. Hydrogen is the fuel of the future. At some time in the future, cars powered by fuel cells will take over the market as the infrastructure for refilling engines with hydrogen is rolled out. But the future is already here. In Stockholm today three buses belonging to SL have entered service as part of the EU CUTE project which also involves nine other major European cities. "We are very proud to be the only Swedish company supplying systems for these buses," says Sven G. Oskarsson. Opcon Autorotor AB has delivered air systems to all 30 buses involved in the CUTE project. The Cute Stockholm project is being run by Stockholm Transport (SL), the City of Stockholm Environment and Health Administration, Fortum and Busslink. Researchers from Stockholm's Royal Institute of Technology are involved in the assessment of the project. The project is being sponsored by the EU, Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Authority and Opcon. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/11/19/20041004BIT20570/wkr0001.pdf