TOLEDO, Ohio,--Dana Corporation announced that it has successfully tested a new application to recover hydrogen from methane gas at an extremely high rate. The propriety process, made possible with Dana's AtmoPlas microwave atmospheric plasma technology is unique because the hydrogen recovery rate could potentially exceed 95 percent. These results make Dana's AtmoPlas technology suitable for fuel-cell applications that may require on-demand production capability.
Potentially, this process could eliminate some of the hydrogen storage issues in mobile fuel-cell applications. The overall energy efficiency of the process is currently being optimized.
Through its global network of fuel-cell technology centers, Dana has become a world leader in the development of high-volume production methods for fuel-cell stack, balance-of-plant, and fuel-processor components for portable, small stationary, and automotive applications. Dana is actively working with most major OEMs to develop high-quality, cost-effective fuel-cell components.
"Successfully extracting hydrogen from methane, using Dana's AtmoPlas microwave atmospheric plasma technology, is an industry first," said Dominique Tasch, vice president of microwave technology for Dana Corporation. "As demands for alternative-fuel resources intensify, Dana is accelerating the development of advanced technologies to improve fuel-cell and hybrid vehicles. This is the latest development."
About AtmoPlas
Dana's AtmoPlas technology generates and sustains plasma at atmospheric pressure without costly vacuum equipment to effectively harness microwave energy. AtmoPlas can exceed plasma temperatures of 1,200 degrees Celsius within seconds, and there is no known practical upper temperature limit. This reduces cycle times and can lead to lower energy use. Other key benefits include lower operating and maintenance costs and an overall reduction in capital investment.
About Dana Corporation
Dana people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle producer in the world. Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles every year. A leading supplier of drivetrain, chassis, structural, and engine technologies, Dana employs 46,000 people in 28 countries. Based in Toledo, Ohio, the company reported sales of $9 billion in 2004. Dana's Internet address is www.dana.com.
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