Tech Talk

October 2006

Easy Access to Hydrogen Proposed

Edited by Robert H. Williams

A Massachusetts company believes it has perfected technology that removes a key roadblock — the scarcity of fuel outlets — to the widespread use of hydrogen powered automobiles. ZTEK Corp. of Woburn has pioneered a high temperature solid-oxide fuel cell and integrated steam reformer that is designed to be used at gas stations.

The system would provide hydrogen to motorists with hydrogen fuel cell or hydrogen burning automobiles. When hydrogen gas demand lags, the operator would generate electricity that could be sold to electric utilities, says the company.