| Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH) is continuing its pursuit of advanced fuel cell development for automotive and non-automotive applications and today announced a co-development agreement with TotalFinaElf, to collaborate on the research and testing of fuel cell technologies and fuel reformation. The goal of the partnership is to better understand the impact of fuel composition and additives on the performance of fuel reforming devices.
The co-development agreement began April 9, 2001. Research and testing will take place at Delphi’s Rochester, N.Y. technical center and at TotalFinaElf’s European facilities.
"The agreement with TotalFinaElf provides Delphi with significant support in terms of testing and technical knowledge of fuel sources and fluid options," said Guy C. Hachey, president of Delphi’s Energy & Chassis Systems. "Our expertise in SOFC technology and TotalFinaElf’s expertise in the refining and marketing of fuel products and additives will lead to discovery and development that will benefit both organizations," he said.
"This cooperation is a unique opportunity for both companies to evaluate the potential of a wide spectrum of products, in relation to the development of SOFC technology for both mobile and stationary applications." said Daniel Le-Breton, Director for the fuel cells application programme at TotalFinaElf. Studies will focus initially on the use of gasoline, then diesel, domestic heating oil, and liquid petroleum gas.
The fuel cell arena holds great promise for automotive and non-automotive applications. "Solid oxide fuel cells used as a vehicle’s auxiliary power unit could generate electrical energy for a wide range of potential vehicle systems and provide electrical replacements for existing mechanically driven sub-systems, such as the air conditioning and water pumps," Jean Botti, Delphi’s European director of engineering and director of Delphi’s Customer Solution Center. "The SOFC allows these technologies to be operated more efficiently and provides a much higher level of control. Fuel cells used as distributive power sources could, for example, supplement existing utility infrastructures in residential areas, hospitals or industrial areas," he added.
"Solid oxide fuel cells can convert a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide directly into electricity with high efficiency. In the long term they will enable customers to make a better use of a variety of fuels and energy sources thus contributing to a more sustainable energy system", said Georges Dupont-Roc, Chief Officer for Sustainable Development at TotalFinaElf. "We are delighted to work together with Delphi in meeting this challenge. They have fantastic capabilities for developing, packaging and mass manufacturing this equipment at a competitive price" he added.
TotalFinaElf is one of the leading oil companies in the world. With operations in more than 100 countries, the Group's activities span all aspects of the energy industry from Upstream - oil and gas exploration and production - to Downstream - refining and marketing of refined products as well as international trading in both crude and refined products. Through Atofina, the Group is also a major players in the chemicals business.
Multi-national Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, Paris, Tokyo and Săo Paulo, Brazil, is a world leader in mobile electronics and transportation components and systems technology. Delphi's three business sectors - Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communication - provide comprehensive product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has approximately 206,000 employees and operates 198 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 46 joint ventures, 53 customer centers and sales offices and 31 technical centers in 43 countries. For more information about Delphi Automotive Systems, visit Delphi's Virtual Press Room at www.delphiauto.com/vpr. |
