Western Economic Diversification Canada invests in fuel cell research underway at UVic
VICTORIA, B.C. – The federal government today announced a $405,000
grant to the University of Victoria’s Institute for Integrated Energy
Systems (IESVic) – recognized as one of Canada’s leading fuel
cell research institutions – to advance its research for sustainable
energy systems and clean energy alternatives for the next generation.
The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification Canada) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) made the announcement at the University of Victoria (UVic).
This funding goes towards specialized equipment to build a renewable energy test bed and a fuel cell gas flow diagnostic system at IESVic. It will increase the research infrastructure for the emerging fuel cell industry cluster, which is largely based in Western Canada.
“The fuel-cell sector has the potential to make a significant contribution to reaching both our climate change and our clean air objectives,” said Minister Anderson. “Fuel-cell technology is healthy for the environment and healthy for the economy. Using fuel cells means clean energy, less air pollution and new jobs.”
“This project will encourage the growth of Western Canada’s fuel cell sector and promote sustainable energy systems and clean energy alternatives,” said Secretary of State Stephen Owen. “It will also increase the number of skilled workers for the emerging Canadian fuel cell cluster and promote economic diversification in British Columbia.”
“This research infrastructure will allow us to explore innovative ways of introducing fuel cells and green energy into the mainstream, whether it is for transportation or for powering our homes and industries,” explained Dr. Ned Djilali, IESVic’s director. “The investment will also enhance our capabilities for innovative fuel cell design and our capacity to assist industrial partners in developing this exciting new technology.”
"The investment by Western Economic Diversification Canada is greatly appreciated by the university and is especially timely as our researchers advance their fuel cell research to address issues of key importance for the environment and economy," said Martin Taylor, UVic’s vice president of research.
Fuel cells generate electricity directly by chemically combining stored hydrogen with oxygen, producing water and heat—their only emissions—as a
by-product. Because fuel cells are quiet, clean and efficient, they offer the opportunity to transform the global energy system by introducing zero-emission technologies for mobile, portable, and stationary applications. Fuel cell-based energy devices will generate substantially less greenhouse gases than many other products currently available.
IESVic will use the grant for two research projects: The Micro Particle Imaging Velocimetry System is a laser imaging system capable of probing the inner workings of a fuel cell. Experiments using the PIV will help further the development of a sophisticated 3-D fuel cell computer model. Major fuel cell developers from North America and Japan are now partnering with IESVic on this project. The Integrated Renewable Energy Experiment is a modular energy system designed to supply the electrical needs of a typical British Columbia residence. Renewable energy from solar cells, wind turbines, micro-hydro or tidal systems will be used to evaluate the ability of these intermittent sources to supply a typical residence.
The development of the Canadian fuel cell industry, as noted in Canada’s Innovation Strategy, is a key component of the national climate change agenda.
Funding for the initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Click here for the backgrounder.The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification Canada) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) made the announcement at the University of Victoria (UVic).
This funding goes towards specialized equipment to build a renewable energy test bed and a fuel cell gas flow diagnostic system at IESVic. It will increase the research infrastructure for the emerging fuel cell industry cluster, which is largely based in Western Canada.
“The fuel-cell sector has the potential to make a significant contribution to reaching both our climate change and our clean air objectives,” said Minister Anderson. “Fuel-cell technology is healthy for the environment and healthy for the economy. Using fuel cells means clean energy, less air pollution and new jobs.”
“This project will encourage the growth of Western Canada’s fuel cell sector and promote sustainable energy systems and clean energy alternatives,” said Secretary of State Stephen Owen. “It will also increase the number of skilled workers for the emerging Canadian fuel cell cluster and promote economic diversification in British Columbia.”
“This research infrastructure will allow us to explore innovative ways of introducing fuel cells and green energy into the mainstream, whether it is for transportation or for powering our homes and industries,” explained Dr. Ned Djilali, IESVic’s director. “The investment will also enhance our capabilities for innovative fuel cell design and our capacity to assist industrial partners in developing this exciting new technology.”
"The investment by Western Economic Diversification Canada is greatly appreciated by the university and is especially timely as our researchers advance their fuel cell research to address issues of key importance for the environment and economy," said Martin Taylor, UVic’s vice president of research.
Fuel cells generate electricity directly by chemically combining stored hydrogen with oxygen, producing water and heat—their only emissions—as a
by-product. Because fuel cells are quiet, clean and efficient, they offer the opportunity to transform the global energy system by introducing zero-emission technologies for mobile, portable, and stationary applications. Fuel cell-based energy devices will generate substantially less greenhouse gases than many other products currently available.
IESVic will use the grant for two research projects: The Micro Particle Imaging Velocimetry System is a laser imaging system capable of probing the inner workings of a fuel cell. Experiments using the PIV will help further the development of a sophisticated 3-D fuel cell computer model. Major fuel cell developers from North America and Japan are now partnering with IESVic on this project. The Integrated Renewable Energy Experiment is a modular energy system designed to supply the electrical needs of a typical British Columbia residence. Renewable energy from solar cells, wind turbines, micro-hydro or tidal systems will be used to evaluate the ability of these intermittent sources to supply a typical residence.
The development of the Canadian fuel cell industry, as noted in Canada’s Innovation Strategy, is a key component of the national climate change agenda.
Funding for the initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
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