Clean, Quiet Energy
– Fuel-cell AC Generators are in your RVing Future – Somewhere

September 2003, Trailer Life
By Jeff Johnston

Fuel-cell technology has been a rapidly developing area of power generation for cars and trucks – and now RVs. While the products aren’t on the shelves yet, manufacturers are working toward the goal of producing clean, quiet electrical power via the use of fuel cells in a variety of applications.

Clean Fuel Generation (CFG) LLC is on the path to developing a functional fuel-cell-powered generator for RV use. The Los Angeles, California-based company recently demonstrated a series of new technologies it has developed to make such generators possible as well as practical.

Principals of CFG include Dr. Ira Parchamazad, CFG co-founder and chairman of the chemistry department at the University of La Verne in California; Nick Ballinger, CFG co-founder; Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, finance and business development; and John Joannes, corporate counsel.

The CFG prototype system is rated at approximately 2.5 kilowatts of output, and the technology is adaptable to produce between 1 and 10 kilowatts or more. When the company place4s its first functional fuel-cell generator in an RV application, it’s expected to be rated at approximately 5 kilowatts. The only noise emanating from the fuel-cell generator will be the hum of a small electric cooling fan and perhaps the sound of a small electric water pump.

“RVs and stationary applications are well-suited for this technology, if the systems are correctly sized. If fuel cells are undersized as related to maximum kilowatt-output demand and rely on battery backup for peak loads, the fuel-cell system can be overburdened, resulting in fuel-cell degradation and shorter lifetime,” said Parchamazad. “This is why CFG’s advancements are so important; we can scale up our system to meet load demands.”

There are several major hurdles to overcome before a fuel-cell generator will be available to the general public. Fuel availability and packaging are big stumbling blocks, as is cost.

A fuel cell runs on hydrogen and produces 120-volts of AC power (or other voltages as desired) via an electrochemical process, but there is little infrastructure available for refueling hydrogen-powered motor vehicles or devices. CFG has developed an exclusive and proprietary reformer that allows readily available hydrocarbon fuels to be converted into hydrogen. In this case, the system used LP-gas, already a commonplace part of RV technology, as a source for the hydrogen needed for the fuel cell.

A vital part of the reforming process is purification of the LP-gas, which removes impurities such as sulfur. The CFG-patented purifier help extend the service life and output of the fuel-cell stack by providing it with clean hydrogen fuel.

By-products of the LP-gas conversion process, known as the cogeneration output, include space heat, which can supplement or replace the RV furnace; hot water, to serve as space heat or to replace the water heater; and fresh water, which can be directed to the fresh-water tank.

An internal-combustion 120-volt AC generator operates at about 15-percent efficiency. A fuel-cell generator would operate at about 40-percent efficiency, and with the addition of cogeneration output, that figure jumps to about 80-percent efficiency.

Packaging the fuel cell to fit in the space occupied by an average RV generator is a challenge simply because of the component size and complexity. CFG displayed a mock-up built in a Plexiglas box the same size as an Onan Marquis AC generator to show how the pieces will fit together in a functioning unit.

Finally, cost is a major concern. Even with the cost-reduction considerations of mass production and the economies of scale, CFG has a tough row to hoe. A single fuel-cell stack purchased for research features a sticker price of about $30,000 plus. The company plans to have its fuel-cell generators priced at, or slightly above, that of a premium internal-combustion AC generator available today. It’s going to be a long journey.

CFG plans to have beta-test fuel-cell generators on line by late 2003 or early 2004, commercial test units in place during 2004 and retail sale units on the market by 2005.

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Quieter, Cleaner Power: CFG Plans to Have a Fuel-Cell Powered Genset on Market by 2005
July 2003, RV News
By Jeff Johnston

Clean Fuel Generation LLC (CFG) of Los Angeles announced plans in May to have beta-test RV fuel-cell generators on line by 2004. Plans call for commercial test units to be in place sometime next year and the actual sets on the retail market by 2005.

The news came during a recent display of the company’s fuel cell technology to representatives of various commercial industries, including the RV sector, at the company’s Southern California headquarters.

When CFG eventually does place its first functional fuel-cell generator in an RV, it’s expected to have an output of 5 kilowatts and will use LP gas as a source for hydrogen, the company stated. With CFG’s current technology, its generators can be adapted to produce 1 to 10 kw.

For the uninitiated, a fuel-cell generator employs an electrochemical process that uses hydrogen to produce electricity – 120 volts of AC power or other voltages.

“RVs and stationary applications are well suited for this technology if the systems are correctly sized,” said Iraj Parchamazad, co-founder of the company and chairman of the chemistry department at the University of Laverne, in Laverne, Calif.

CFG officials say that the only noise from the generator will be the hum of a small electric cooling fan and perhaps the sound of a small electric water pump.

As part of their demonstration, CFG displayed a mockup built in a plexiglas box the same size as an Onan Marquis genset to show how the pieces will fit together.

Significantly, CFG has developed an exclusive and proprietary reformer that allows hydrocarbon fuels, which are readily available, to be converted to hydrogen.

Indeed, one of the key selling points of the CFG fuel-cell generator is the use of LP gas – already a commonplace part of RV technology – as the fuel for conversion to hydrogen.

In addition to providing electric power, the conversion of LP gas to hydrogen leaves behind some valuable by-products, including the following: space heat, which can supplement or replace an RV furnace; hot water, which also can be used for space heating or to replace the water heater; and fresh water.

Still, one of the major questions facing CFG is price. The cost of a fuel-cell stack today for research purposes is about $30,000. CFG plans to have its generators priced at or slightly above that of a premium internal-combustion generator in today’s market.

For more information, log on to cleanfuelgeneration.com.

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Clean Fuel Generation, LLC. (CFG) demonstrated a propane fueled fuel cell power generation system at its research and development location at the University of La Verne, La Verne, CA. CFG’s current focus is on generator market applications which require the benefits that fuel cell systems offer: very low noise, co-generation capability (space heat & hot water), higher efficiency, and low emissions. The propane fuel cell system will utilize a readily available fuel infrastructure (delivery and storage). CFG’s system is being designed for RVs and other worldwide applications.

Attending the demonstration were representatives from RV industry companies, U.S. Department of Defense, Southern California Edison, propane industry companies, the President and other officials and faculty of the University of La Verne, and the media.

CFG has patents granted and pending for key components that will allow the use of readily available hydrocarbon fuels to be converted into hydrogen, which the fuel cell requires to produce electric power. Hydrogen is not readily available and is difficult to store in required volumes. CFG’s technological breakthroughs allow the use of the existing propane infrastructure, which will lead to early commercialization of fuel cell systems.

Dr. Iraj Parchamazad, Co-Founder of CFG, and Chairman of the Chemistry Department at the University of La Verne (ULV), in the scientific discussion that preceded the demonstration, pointed out the parameters and applications that are best suited for fuel cell technology. Dr. Parchamazad discussed how the technology is unique because of the ability to utilize propane fuel and produce enough hydrogen for up to 30 kilowatts of electric power. He explained how CFG’s technology also purifies the hydrogen, eliminating all impurities including sulfur. Dr. Parchamazad stated that “RVs and stationary applications are well suited for this technology if the systems are correctly sized. If fuel cells are under sized as related to maximum kilowatt output demand, and rely on battery back up for peak loads, the fuel cell system can be over burdened, resulting in fuel cell degradation and shorter lifetime. This is why CFG’s advancements are so important: we can scale-up our systems to meet load demands.”

Mr. Nick Ballinger, Co-founder of CFG, who is a University of La Verne graduate and a third generation RV industry expert, led a discussion regarding the increased emphasis in commercializing fuel cell technology, and the increasing funding opportunities for this technology. Ballinger summarized CFG’s recent funding proposals to the U.S. Department of Energy for both propane and natural gas systems for recreational vehicles, hotels, business, and other combined heat and power (CHP) applications. He reviewed other funding opportunities, including the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). CFG expects funding opportunities to increase in the future because of President Bush’s proposed $1.7 billion increase in hydrogen technology funding over the next 5 years, which the U.S. House of Representatives passed (April 11, 2003). CFG is also actively seeking key strategic investors and alliances.

The University of La Verne is extremely supportive of the CFG/ULV collaborative research and development. Dr. Robert Neher, Chair of the ULV Natural Science Division, stated “We feel fuel cell technology can be and will be an important step toward a sustainable society”. Dr. Neher noted fuel cell technologies’ potential for reducing both pollution and the dependence on foreign oil.

CFG is determined to be the first company to commercialize fuel cell technology, and RVs may be the first commercial application for this emerging technology. Fuel cells operate quietly, use less fuel, and provide heat for hot water and space heating. CFG’s advancements now allow fuel cell systems to run on propane already stored onboard RVs. CFG expects to develop fuel cell systems in a variety of kilowatt outputs. For further information visit http://www.cleanfuelgeneration.com, or call Nick Ballinger at (310) 440-4243.

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CFG Stages Successful Fuel Cell Demo
May 5, 2003, RV Business

Clean Fuel Generation LLC (CFG) successfully demonstrated its exclusive fuel cell technology reforming process, which uses propane as its fuel source to produce electricity.

CFG, a 5-year-old Los Angeles firm, is in the advanced stages of testing the technology and the development of a fuel cell-powered generator, initially targeted for use in the RV industry.

Attending the recent demonstration were representatives from RV industry companies, the U.S. Department of Defense, Southern California Edison, propane industry companies, and others, including faculty of the University of La Verne.

Colin Iwasa, with Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, said the demonstration illustrated important issues in the development of fuel cell technology.

"I was impressed, first with how small the unit was for the RV market, and secondly with their decision to go a different direction than other fuel cell research," Iwasa said. "It makes sense to reform an already existing form of fuel rather than having to create a whole new supply infrastructure."

CFG, a closely held company, has patents granted and pending for key components that will allow the use of readily available hydrocarbon fuels to be converted into hydrogen, which the fuel cell requires to produce electric power.

Hydrogen is not readily available and is difficult to store in required volumes. CFG is developing technology that will utilize the existing propane infrastructure, and could lead to earlier commercialization of fuel cell systems.

Paul Heald, director of engineering at Marshall Gas Controls, said CFG's technology solves a number of potential problems.

"CFG's system is an ideal application for fuel cells because it utilizes propane for fuel. Not only will this cut down on the excessive noise that gasoline generators produce, but it will be easier to use because propane is so easy to buy", Heald said.

Dr. Iraj Parchamazad, co-founder of CFG, and chairman of the Chemistry Department at the University of La Verne (ULV), made the following points during a scientific discussion that preceded the demonstration:

CFG's technology is unique because of the ability to utilize propane fuel.

It produces enough hydrogen for up to 30 kilowatts of electric power. CFG's technology also purifies the hydrogen, eliminating all impurities, including sulfur.

RV's and stationary applications are well suited for this technology if the systems are correctly sized. If fuel cells are undersized as related to maximum kilowatt output demand, and rely on battery backup for peak loads, the fuel cell system can be overburdened, resulting in fuel cell degradation and shorter lifetime. This is why CFG's advancements are so important: We can scale-up our systems to meet load demands," Parchamazad said.

In addition to the energy that CFG's technology provides, consumers also will appreciate the fuel cell¦s high efficiency, convenience, safety and quiet operation. The fuel cell produces electricity with higher than 40% efficiency, far superior to the 15% efficiency of combustion generators. Efficiency increases to better than 80% when cogeneration (thermal energy) is considered.

CFG is actively seeking strategic investors and alliances.

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Actor Seeks to Rev Up Interest in Alternative-Fuel Technologies
April 30, 2003, Los Angeles Times
By John O'Dell, Times Staff Writer

Actor and environmentalist Dennis Weaver, a proponent of hydrogen-powered cars long before the White House jumped on the bandwagon this year, begins his second Drive to Survive in Los Angeles on Thursday after a 10 a.m. news conference this morning on the Santa Monica Pier.

Weaver will lead a caravan of eight alternative-fuel vehicles - including a gasoline-electric hybrid and a bio-diesel pickup - on a cross-country drive scheduled to end May 14 in Washington. A hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicle from Toyota will be used for a short leg in California, Weaver said, but won't make the entire trip because of the scarcity of fuel-grade hydrogen.

"This is an educational and media tour," Weaver said. "We are hoping to help jump-start public interest in these alternative technologies."

Weaver lives in Ridgway, Colo., where a decade ago he and his wife, Gerry, founded the nonprofit Institute for Ecolonomics (the Weavers' blending of ecology and economics) that is sponsoring the cross-country drive with a $250,000 donation from the Annenberg Foundation.

Additional information is available online at http://www.drivetosurvive.info .

Taking fuel cells beyond powering automobiles

Fuel cells for automobiles get most of the press, but there are scientists working on fuel cells to provide electric power to rural communities as well as homes and businesses.

Some of those projects may provide the breakthroughs that could speed commercialization of automotive fuel cells.

One such project is being developed by University of LaVerne researchers headed by Iraj Parchamazad, chairman of the chemistry department at the private university.

His team last week unveiled a prototype fuel cell system in which the propane that recreational vehicles carry passes through a reformer and a purifier - both patented by the university.

The system delivers "ultra-pure hydrogen" that one day will be needed for automotive use, Parchamazad said.

The prototype won't propel the recreational vehicle, but will provide all the power necessary for on-board appliances as well as heat for water and the cabin, he said.

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Fuel Cell Targets RV Market: University, company partner to provide alternative energy source for accessories

April 25, 2003, Inland Valley Voice
By Matthew Chin

LA VERNE — A University of La Verne chemistry professor says he and his colleagues have created a propane-powered fuel cell that will revolutionize the recreational vehicle industry.

They unveiled the latest version of the technology on campus Thursday.

The fuel cell from Clean Fuel Generation LLC, a small L.A.-based energy company working with ULV faculty, converts propane to hydrogen for use in the chemical reaction. It doesn't create enough energy to power a vehicle but it will power the accessories — the electrical, space heating and water heating systems.

Company co-founder Nick Ballinger said it makes sense to tackle a niche market rather than take on the auto industry. RVs seemed a natural — his grandfather and father ran an Inglewood RV business.

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device, much like a battery, that produces electricity from a chemical reaction, such as combining hydrogen and oxygen.

The propane fuel cell research was led by ULV chemistry professor Iraj Parchamazad. Several other faculty members contributed to the work.

Their current model fuel cell is the size of a large suitcase, but previous versions were the size of two dishwashers.

The model is about 2.5 times more efficient than an internal combustion generator, Parchamazad said, and it generates little pollution. It doesn't make as much noise as other power sources, something RV owners will appreciate. Many RV campgrounds prohibit using generators because of noise concerns.

Some viewers are surprised the project is based at the small university instead of a research campus or major corporation, Parchamazad said.

"We have the resources, we have the brains, we have the experience and we want to do it from our hearts," Parchamazad said.

It will cost $5 million-$6 million to get a fuel cell ready to market. The research team is seeking funding from companies and government agencies.

Ballinger said their goal is to sell a 5-kilowatt fuel cell for about $6,000. That cell would power the accessories in the average RV, he said.

Don Magary, who spend 15 years as editor of the trade magazine RV News, said the industry would welcome a moderately priced, lightweight fuel cell. He also said Ballinger's family experience in the industry may lend him more credibility than if he was an outsider viewed as some sort of carpetbagger.

The new fuel cell may be on the market long before hydrogen-powered fuel cells because propane is readily available said UC Riverside chemical engineering professor Yushan Yan, who studies fuel cells.

"Although pure hydrogen from a renewable source such as water would be ideal" for use in fuel cells based on efficiency and minimal impact on the environment, the technology is years away. Hydrocarbons and alcohols likely will be the near-term alternatives, Yan said.

Another researcher was more skeptical of the group's work.

Jim Heffel, who heads the Energy Technology Training Center at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, questioned the value of converting propane into hydrogen.

"This sounded like a good system five years ago, but it complicates the system," said Heffel, who works on training programs in alternative fuels. "There's less efficiency as it doesn't run on pure hydrogen."

He thought the fuel cell's estimated price was too high and the team's efficiency claims may underestimate the efficiency of newer internal combustion engines.

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ULV Unveils Propane Fuel-Cell System
April 2003, San Gabriel Tribune
By Jason Newell, Staff Writer

LA VERNE -- University of La Verne scientists on Thursday unveiled a "first of its kind' technological innovation that converts propane into electric power without polluting or causing noise.

The propane fuel-cell system, intended for initial use in recreational vehicles, can generate up to 30 kilowatts of electric power with as much as five times the efficiency of other electricity generators.

"At this point, as far as we know, nobody else has a propane unit that can produce 5 to 20 kilowatts with no detectable impurity,' said Dr. Iraj Parchamazad, chemistry department chairman, who spearheaded the research.

A presentation of the fuel-cell system was made by Clean Fuel Generation, LLC., a company co-founded by Parchamazad and Nick Ballinger, a ULV graduate and RV industry expert.

The company says the technology is ideal for the demands of RV owners because it provides ample power to run appliances inside a motor home while using less fuel and without making any noise.

Typical generators create a great deal of noise and vibration, said Ben Ballinger, a representative for Leisure Time Marketing and Nick Ballinger's brother. Noise restrictions at National Parks prevent many RVers from using these generators at night, leaving them without the use of air conditioning or other appliances.

"This gives them the power they need, and they can still sleep,' Ben Ballinger said.

While the fuel cell is operating, it also gives off heat that can be used for a water heater or provide space heat inside the coach. The fuel cell's chemical reactions also produce about a half-liter of distilled water per hour, Nick Ballinger said.

The company's new technology takes propane, mixes it with water and converts it into hydrogen, filtering out any pollutants in the process, Parchamazad said. The fuel cell then transforms the hydrogen into electrical energy.

CFG unveiled a similar fuel cell system in 2001, using propane and methanol as fuels. The new technology is an improvement because propane is readily available across the world, even in third world countries, while methanol is more difficult to come by, Ben Ballinger said.

As soon as it can attract enough investors, the company plans to manufacture and sell the fuel cell system to RV companies and owners.

"This is equivalent to what Henry Ford had before they went into production,' said Ben Ballinger. "All it's going to take is a little bit of money to get it out on the market.'

In addition to use in RVs, the company and university also hope the technology can be used to generate energy at hotels, businesses and beyond.

"We feel fuel-cell technology can be and will be an important step toward a sustainable society,' said Dr. Bob Neher, chair of the ULV Natural Science Division, noting its potential to reduce both pollution and the dependence on foreign oil.

The company also hopes to get its hands on federal grant money for continued research. In his January State of the Union address, President Bush proposed $1.7 billion over the next five years for fuel cell development.

Jason Newell can be reached at (909) 483-9338, or by e-mail at jason.newell@dailybulletin.com.

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Rapid Developments in Propane Fuel Cell Systems
February 2003, RV News

Clean Fuel Generation LLC. (CFG), based in Los Angeles, California, has developed and tested prototypes of fuel cell systems using the Company’s patented and patent pending technologies for propane RV fuel cell systems. CFG’s current development project is for components and fuel cell systems that will use propane as its only operating fuel. One major difficulty in achieving propane fueled fuel cell systems has been removing the impurities in LPG gas. In the system propane must be converted to hydrogen on demand, which is electrochemically converted to electric and thermal energy in the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack must have a highly pure source of hydrogen or the stack will be negatively affected by the impurities, resulting in a short operational life. For example, impurities in the hydrogen stream such as sulfur compound, and carbon monoxide must be removed.

CFG testing of its new propane system using a gas chromatograph (with specialized detectors including helium ionization detector) demonstrates the achievement of highly pure hydrogen. The results show no detection of any impurities in the hydrogen including carbon monoxide. Testing will continue with the 2.5-kilowatt propane prototype system, and the next step will be scale up and prototype development for 5-kilowatt systems for testing on RV’s. This technology can provide electric power to 10 kilowatts and above, and provide cogeneration heat and hot water.

CFG has focused on the RV market since its inception in 1998, and set as its goal to be the first company to commercialize fuel cell systems in RV’s. These recent tests bring the company nearer to its goal. CFG’s technology can be applied to a variety of additional markets. Based on this new technology, CFG is also developing an advanced methanol fuel cell system. For further information visit www.cleanfuelgeneration.com, or call Nick Ballinger at (310)440-4240.

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Fuel Cell RV Generator Biz Draws Potential Suppliers
November 2002, RV Business
By Bob Ashley

A small Los Angeles company expects to test the commercial application of a state-of-the-art fuel cell-powered generator system based on LP gas within the next few months.

“We currently are talking to RV OEMs and looking for alliances with manufacturers who can provide some key assistance for us,” said Nick Ballinger, COO of Clean Fuel Generation LLC, a closely held company formed in 1998. “We will either develop the system in house or license the component development and outsource it.”

Ballinger said plans to initiate Beta testing of the system, which turns LP gas into hydrogen that in turn is converted into electricity, early in 2003. The system is expected to be available for commercial installation in RVs sometime in 2004.

“We have tested it, and it works,” Ballinger said. “Our technology eventually will replace the gasoline generator, the furnace and the hot water heater. On top of that, it will supplement holding tanks with fresh water.”

Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are not new. Invented in 1839, they have been used by NASA to provide onboard electric power for space capsules since early in the space program. The automobile industry is heavily invested in developing fuel cells to power cars and trucks because the only byproduct produced by a fuel cell is water. Other companies are investigating fuel cells for use in homes and businesses.

In the fuel cell process hydrocarbons are “reformed” into hydrogen which is altered chemically to produce electricity.

The trick has been to safely and efficiently provide a source of hydrogen, either directly or through reformation of a hydrocarbon fuel.

Commercial applications also have been slow to develop because of the cost and the bulk of the equipment needed. “The costs are coming down, and we’ve got our fuel cell system down to about the size of a current RV generator,” Ballinger said.

Ballinger said Clean Fuel is working on fuel cells that will deliver between 2 kw to 20 kw “on demand” to provide 120-volt electricity to an RV to run air conditioners and appliances at a capital cost of about $1,500 per kw. “They are going to be pricey, but the benefits are going to be significant,” Ballinger said.

While any hydrocarbon fuel – gasoline, LP gas, natural gas or diesel – can be converted into electricity using a fuel cell, Clean Fuel has focused on LP gas because it is readily available in RVs. The company also is currently developing systems that operate on propane and methanol.

Besides generating electricity, fuel cells also produce heat and clean water that can be cycled through a trailer or motorhome.

Electrical generators fired by traditional fuels, Ballinger said, typically use only 15% of the energy available. “For the production of electricity on its own, the efficiency of our fuel cell is approximately 40%,” Ballinger said. “When you add the benefit of using the heat generated by the fuel cell for space heating or water heating, the efficiency goes up to 80%.

“The biggest benefit for the RV owner is that the systems are quiet. Fuel cells themselves have no moving parts and are extremely quiet.”

Other firms involved in cell-fuel for RV applications are: Atwood Mobile Products, Rockford, Ill., which teamed with fuel-cell developer IdaTech, Bend, Ore.; the Cummins Inc. Onan subsidiary, which is working with McDermott Technology, Alliance, Ohio; and Coleman Powermate, a unit of camping equipment manufacturer The Coleman Company Inc., Wichita, Kan., a Sunbeam Corp. subsidiary.

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A Natural Fit? Fuel Cells, RVs, and Propane
October 2002, BPN Weekly Propane Newsletter, Vol. 32, #41

Propane-powered fuel cells to run appliances in RVs would seem a natural fit for the propane and RV industries. Clean Fuel Generation LLC (CFG; Los Angeles), a privately held company formed in 1998, now has its first patent, and several other pending, for fuel cell technology pertinent to RVs and other markets. The company was formed by Nick Ballinger, a third-generation RV industry veteran, with co-founders Dr. Iraj Parchamazad, University of LaVerne Chemistry Department chair and professor, Sanjeev Kumar, and John Joannes.

Ballinger told the Newsletter that the company has a research agreement with the University of LaVerne.

CFG has demonstrated a 3.5-kW fuel cell system running on propane and methanol that it is targeting for RV applications. This unit powered several RV appliances, including an air conditioning unit. The company is now focusing on the development of a second prototype running solely on propane; it will hold a demonstration in Ontario, Calif., later this month.

Both systems are being downsized and modified for commercialization. The company expects to have fuel cell systems available with varying power outputs that will range from 1 to 10 kW and greater.

It claims the unit is 40% efficient when generating electricity and up to 80% when cogeneration (space heating, hot water, and fresh water recovery) is considered.

The company’s patent, “Portable Cogeneration Fuel-Cell Power Generator for Recreational Vehicles,” encompasses the utilization of hydrocarbon fuels (specifically propane) stored on board RVs. It also covers the utilization of the heat from the system for cogeneration purposes, and the conversion of electricity produced by the fuel cell to one or more useful voltage levels.

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Successful Research & Development Brings Clean Fuel Generation LLC. One Step Closer to the RV Market
September 2002, RV News

Clean Fuel Generation LLC (CFG), a company dedicated to the commercialization of fuel cell generator systems for the recreational vehicle market, successfully designed, tested, and demonstrated a vital fuel cell system component. The component, a fuel reformer, is one of the keys to bringing a useful product to the RV owner. CFG.s new fuel reformer converts propane, already stored onboard RV's, for use in a fuel cell stack to produce electrical power required for operating RV appliances (air conditioners, microwaves, etc.).

This breakthrough design further reduces system size and cost, and results in a more environmentally friendly power generating system than traditional generators. The new reformer technology operates with normal propane cylinders and pressures used on RV's. The development can also be applied to other hydrocarbon fuels, which in future versions may offer the consumer a choice of fuels. This is CF's second reformer design, previously CFG successfully demonstrated it's first generation (patented) LPG fuel reformer design, and set higher standards for further refinements, in which CFG has now achieved further success with it's new LPG fuel reformer design (patent pending). This second-generation design will provide enough fuel to operate fuel cell systems to 10 kilowatt and above.

CFG is now beginning to integrate this new design LPG reformer into RV fuel cell generator prototype systems, while continuing to make additional system component improvements that will improve system safety, reduce cost, and decrease size and weight. CFG intends to introduce the first commercial fuel cell system for the RV market application. CFG is confident that this new development will not only allow a fuel cell to operate on propane for RV's, but will also apply to markets beyond recreational vehicles. Given the efficiency of fuel cells, the increasing cost of petroleum fuels and worldwide energy shortages, fuel cell technology has a promising future. In fact RV owners have commented that fuel cell systems will offer them the ability to use their RV year round by providing a quiet power source for their home. Using your RV for a quiet back-up power source in areas at risk of power outages may prove to be a value added sales point for RV manufacturers.

Clean Fuel Generation LLC (CFG), a privately held company based in Los Angeles, California, has conducted research and development in fuel cell power generation systems for the RV market since its inception in 1997. Fuel cell generators will provide many benefits over internal combustion generators for the RV traveler including increased fuel efficiency (operate on less fuel), quieter operation, and provide cogeneration capability (hot water, space heating, and fresh water). Higher kilowatt systems can offer a safer RV design by replacing LPG appliances with all electric appliances, ridding the inside of the RV of hazardous open flames and LPG lines and connections.

For further information visit www.cleanfuelgeneration.com, or call Nick Ballinger at (310) 440-4243.

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Propane Fuel Cell
September 2002, Fleets and Fuels - Volume IX

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Clean Fuel Generation Granted U.S. Patent for RV Fuel Cell Technology
August 2002, RV News

Clean Fuel Generation LLC (CFG), a privately held company based in Los Angeles, California, was recently granted its first patent for fuel cell technology pertinent to recreational vehicle and other markets. CFG awaits the clearance of several pending patents and expects that they will be granted shortly. The fuel cell company continues to file patents in light of its rapid developments.

CFG has conducted research and development in fuel cell power generation systems for the RV market since its inception in 1997. Compared to combustion-driven power generation, fuel cells generate power more quietly, operate on less fuel, and provide cogeneration capability - heat, hot water, and fresh water. Moreover, fuel cells can render open flames within RV's unnecessary by streamlining the replacement of hazardous gas appliances with safer electrical appliances.

CFG demonstrated a 3.5-kilowatt fuel cell system that powered several RV appliances including an air conditioning unit; the prototype operated on propane and methanol fuel. CFG's developmental focus is to develop a second prototype that operates solely on propane. Both systems are being downsized and modified for commercialization requirements. CFG expects to have fuel cell systems available with varying power outputs that will range from 1 to 10 kilowatts and above.

The patent, entitled "Portable Cogeneration Fuel-Cell Power Generator for Recreational Vehicles", relates to utilizing hydrocarbon fuels (including propane) stored onboard RV's. Claims in the patent also cover the following: utilizing the heat from the system for cogeneration purposes (space heat, hot water, and fresh water recovery), and the conversion of electricity produced by the fuel cell to one or more useful voltage levels.
The technical advancements in this patent are breakthroughs in fuel cell technology. In seeking to achieve success, other companies have utilized costly compressors to increase propane pressures to achieve higher kilowatt power ranges. CFG has believed that this compressor is undesirable since it increased system size and cost. CFG's design promotes a safer alternative, lowers cost, and reduces system size.

Additional CFG patents pending improve system components and safety, reduce size and cost, and provide for product maintenance. For further information visit www.cleanfuelgeneration.com, or call Nick Ballinger at (310) 440-4243

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ULV, firm unveil new technology
- Partnership seeks $2 million to develop fuel cell

February 26, 2001, Daily Bulletin
By L.C. Greene

LA VERNE - A new technology promising cheaper and cleaner electricity for single-family homes drew a larger than expected crowd at the University of La Verne.
More than 50 potential investors and industry representatives witnessed the demonstration of a fuel cell system that chemically converts a petrochemical into hydrogen, which in turn is cleanly converted into power, head and water.

"The turnout exceeded our expectations," said Nick Ballinger, co-founder of Clean Fuel Generation.
The Los Angeles firm in partnership with the University of La Verne seeks $2 million to further develop the new fuel cell system, said Ballinger.

The system, devised by the school's department of chemistry chairman Iraj Parchamazad, is fueled by methanol, commonly used in cell technology. However, Parchamazad's system will ultimately employ propane, said to be ideal in the RV industry with its existing propane infrastructure.

National RV Inc. of Perris, the country's fifth largest motor home builder, donated one of its coaches for Friday's demonstration.

"We are very encouraged," said Joe McDermott, National RV's director of sales and marketing. "This represents a significant advancement in RV systems."

Motor homes currently use generators to provide power for lights, heating and air conditioning. A propane fuel cell promises a system that is not only quieter, but far cheaper to operate, McDermott said.
The ULV/Clean Fuel Generation system should produce the same amount of power and heat as a standard generator using only a quarter of the propane, McDermott said.

"And you don't have the exhaust gases. You don't have carbon monoxide, which is always a concern," he said.
If the Clean Fuel Generation system meets National RV's power requirements, the firm is ready to install the system in its lines of coaches, McDermott said.

The next steps in the system's development include testing the methanol system on the roads in a motor home, perfecting the propane system, and then field testing the propane model, Ballinger said.
The fuel cell system has potential beyond the RV industry, Parchamazad said.

"The best market for now is recreational vehicles, but it could also be used for other stationary applications," Parchamazad said. The partnership's long-range plans include developing methanol and propane fuel cells for single-family homes.

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Researchers advance fuel-cell application
February 19, 2001, Los Angeles Times
By Douglas Haberman

LA VERNE - While leaders try to find short-term answers to the state's energy crisis, a breakthrough offering nonpolluting long-term solutions has quietly taken place behind the locked door of a University of La Verne research laboratory.

La Verne chemistry professor Iraj Parchamazad and some of his colleagues have developed what they believe is the next step in fuel-cell technology. With continued research, they say, they can help create technology that will harness the chemistry within solar energy and water to replace internal combustion engine and electrical transmission lines that stretch around the globe.

"We believe firmly in this century this technology will be the technology for energy everywhere in the world," Parchamazad said. "It means the problem of energy in the world will really be over."

Competition among fuel-cell researchers is intense and their work is highly secretive because of the immense potential for profit, said Parchamazad, who has been at the University of La Verne since 1987 and is chairman of the chemistry department.

But on Friday, he and others of the 10 or so professors at the university who have worked with him on the project will introduce their fuel cell system to the world in a three-hour presentation on campus starting at 10 a.m.

Fuel cells function like batteries but last longer and operate more efficiently. They rely not on combustion - the controlled explosions that, for example, propel gas-powered automobiles - but on chemical reactions, using hydrogen and oxygen, that create electricity. There is no exhaust; pollution is all but eliminated as a byproduct.

Parchamazad has patents pending on three breakthroughs in his hydrogen fuel-cell system. These advances mean the system can use either methanol or propane, both of which are clean-burning, to help trigger the reaction that releases hydrogen; it produces reduced levels of carbon monoxide; and it removes damaging byproducts so the fuel cell lasts longer.

The system generates 110-volt electricity, but also "cogenerates" hot water, heat, and fresh water at the same time. It is extremely quiet, so it can run all night without disturbing anyone, unlike conventional generators.
Parchamazad united with a former University of La Verne student, Nick Ballinger, to create a company to market the system to the recreational vehicle industry, Clean Fuel Generation LLC. The fuel cell system can supply the electricity, heat and hot water for a motor home and is 80% more efficient compared to a standard generator, which is only 15% efficient, he said.

The company is looking for investors to help it begin manufacturing the system in large numbers.
"You need mass production to bring the costs down," Parchamazad said.

He is hoping the system's introduction into the recreational vehicle industry will open the door to other commercial applications. He worked with the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division to submit a funding proposal to the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Jay Jones, a University of La Verne biology and biochemistry professor who has helped Parchamazad, said one day all homes might have a fuel-cell system in their backyard. The technology is so important that more research needs to be done soon, he said.

"If we're going to stay ahead in this nation, we need to invest in this," Jones said.

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Clean Fuel Generation Reveals First Alternative Energy Product
November 2000, RV News

Clean Fuel Generation (CFG) unveiled its first PEM fuel cell prototype,R3500, at the University of LaVerne, CA. The target markets are owners and manufacturers of Recreational Vehicles (RVs).

CFG successfully demonstrated the fuel cell on a coach as the fuel cell produced electricity, hot water, drinking water, and heat.
(Special thanks to National RV for providing the coach for the demonstration)

To see the full article click here.

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