Buskerud University College (HiBu)

The fuel cell group at the Department of Technology has successfully performed several hydrogen demonstration projects. We would like to emphasize the importance of demonstrating the hydrogen technology to the public. In this respect we can mention:

In 2001 we constructed a 50 W PEMFC model truck fueled by pressurized hydrogen. The model truck was presented in media to a broad audience (e.g. NRK TV /radio, newspapers, etc.). In 2004 we introduced the first full scale FC vehicle in Norway, the so-called “Caretaker Vehicle”, which was presented several times on Norwegian TV. It has also created a good response abroad (e.g. invitation to the Hannover Fair).The vehicle is a mobile DC/AC aggregate transporting one person. The vehicle is based on 1200W PEMFC and fueled by pressurized hydrogen, 5800 l stored on board. In 2006 we constructed an advanced fuel cell boat model for the so-called Fellowship organization. It can be mentioned that the FC boat model applies the Kongsberg Maritime positioning system. Hydrogen is stored in MH.  The model has been successfully shown at several fairs both in Norway and abroad, promoting the Fellowship project. The final goal for the Fellowship project is to construct a full scale FC based supply ship. In 2007 we built a full scale 21 feet fuel cell boat which was the first FC boat in Scandinavia. The boat is a FC (2.4 kW)/battery hybrid, fueled by both pressurized- and MH stored hydrogen. The project was a co-work with Vestfold University College and was fully financed by the counties in our region (Buskerud, Vestfold and Telemark). The boat created a lot of interest both in Norway and abroad.

There is a strong engagement in FC technology in the education of students at BUC. It has been developed an advanced 60 hrs course in FC technology (e.g. fuel and air consumptions, heat production, efficiencies, effect of polarization, water balance in PEMFC, etc.). So far about 100 of our last year students have graduated in FC technology. From 2010 the course will be further developed to a 120 hrs course in alternative energy with a main focus on hydrogen- and FC- technology.

At present we are developing an advanced FC research laboratory at BUC. The laboratory has been mainly financed by the counties in our region and the Norwegian Research Council. Our main activities are related to basic PEMFC research. The facilities will give a good opportunity for both master and research fellows to join our R&D on fuel cells.

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