State Portland University EMGT 510 Technology Transfer
RESIDENTIAL FUEL CELLS:
Utilizing a Technology Transfer Office
Overview
Abstract Background Methodology Technology Transfer Recap
By: Tobiah Halter, Quinn Collett, Yuan-Chi Huang Date: August 12, 2003
ABSTRACT
Pressing issues of increased US energy dependence, growing pollutant levels and o-zone depletion have brought for the search for cleaner, more efficient energy sources and the birth of fuel cell technology. While fuel cells produce effective clean energy with minimal emissions, the cost from research and development to the consumer has limited the potential commercialization of residential fuel cell units. We propose to establish a technology transfer office (TTO) in conjunction with Humbolt State University to transfer fuel cell technology from R&D to market in the most effective and cost efficient manner. This will be established though a joint venture or IP licensing contract with L-3 Communications/ Power Paragon Inc. In result, we hope to accomplish widespread growth of the residential fuel cell market.
HOW FUEL CELLS WORK
Two electrodes sandwiched around an electrolyte.
Oxygen passes over one electrode and hydrogen over the other, generating electricity, water and heat.
Fuel reformer allows for use of hydrocarbon fuel.
Source: www.fuelcells.com
TYPES OF FUEL CELLS
Low Temperature Fuel Cells
Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC)
High Temperature Fuel Cells
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Phosphoric Acid (PAFC) Molten Carbonate (MCFC)
Zinc-Air Fuel Cell (ZAFC) Proton Exchange Membrane (PEMFC)
Source: www.fuelcells.org
Protonic Ceramic (PCFC)
FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS
Stationary (Residential) Transportation
Source: Manhattan Scientifics 2003 Source: General Motors 2003 Source: Fraunhofer ISE 2003
Source: Ida Tech 2003
Portable Power
QUOTES
"The world needs cleaner, more efficient ways to
generate electricity, and this technology will help meet that need." Energy Secretary Bill Richardson
"Clearly, the federal government should increase its
support for fuel cell commercialization and for enhanced research and development." U.S. Rep. John Larson
"Fuel cells are likely to penetrate everywhere where
energy is used, including homes and businesses." Robert Savinell, associate dean, Case Western Reserve University's engineering school.
Fuel Cell Pros/Cons
Pros
Increasing US energy
dependence on oil shifted to new source 10,000 fuel cell vehicles running on non-petroleum fuel would reduce oil consumption by 6.98 million gallons per year.
("Automotive Fuel Cells Markets," Allied Business Intelligence - May 2000)
Cons
Some concern as to
hydrogen safety Relatively new technology leading to high expenses in R&D and thus high cost to the consumer ($3000$5000 per kilowatt)
Cleaner and more efficient
than traditional energy sources Could reduce the trade deficit and produce American jobs.
Solutions
Establish and effective means of
transferring fuel cell technology to manufacturing and market.
Create a technology transfer office (TTO) capable of assisting in moving the technology to commercialization via. Establish appropriate technology transfer mechanisms Develop a viable market for residential fuel cells through promotion, unit cost reduction and consumer incentive
PROCESS
Humbolt State, located in Arcata Ca., has acquired a grant to conduct R&D clean and innovative energy sources. R&D has focused on residential fuel cells and a successful product is designed. -Humbolt now faces the task of taking this research to manufacturing and commercialization It is decided that the university will initially fund a TTO to effectively transfer R&D fuel cell technology to a manufacturer/distributor.
Humbolt State University
Gov. Team
Joint $
TTO
TT Venture
s
Marketable Residential Fuel Cell
Pr
of it
Ro y
al tie
The TTO and its Functions
The TTO is to consist of
engineering faculty and students business faculty and students market savvy individual with fuel cell technology experience company engineers
The TTO will
seek grants towards R&D to minimize/negate costs to university
Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA), DOE seek subsidies to minimize cost of fuel cell unit to consumers Government subsidies on unit cost as motivation of promote efficient energy
sources (California Energy Commission) Fuel company (propane, methane, etc.) subsidies to promote purchase of their product Power company subsidies: Power company pays consumer for power produced but not used and sold back
Seek joint venture with manufacturer/distributor in the area
Continue funding its office through royalties returned on unit sales
L-3 Communications/ Power Paragon Inc., Anaheim Ca. Manufacturer willing to absorb prototyping and redesign costs and present royalties on sales to university in exchange for fuel cell technology, marketing strategies, continued support and rights to manufacture and distribute
Technology Transfer Mechanism
PROMOTING INVENTION
1. TTO: Promoting invention, Building links 2. University: Offering courses, Relative research
TRANSFERRING INVENTION
Technology Transfer Mechanism (cont'd)
IP licensing
Project Team
Sufficient Supports
Technology Transfer Mechanism (cont'd)
1. 2. 3. 4.
TRANSFERRING TECHNOLOGY Step 1: IP licensing and Contract Step 2: Education and Training Step 3: Project Team Step 4: Prototyping, Testing, and Remodeling Assistance 5. Step 5: Suppliers Research Support 6. Step 6: Marketing Research Support
Technology Transfer Mechanism (cont'd)
The Break Down
Step 1: IP licensing and Contract
guarantee of sufficient supports. b. Royalty or Equity options
a. No guarantee of successful transferring, but
Step 2: Education and Training
a. We will introduce technology to the engineers of the
partner. b. Conduct engineers to be educated in our university and TTO.
Technology Transfer Mechanism (cont'd)
Step 3: Project Team
a. Inventor's involvement Conduct engineers to be
educated in our university and TTO. b. Project management c. MBA program support
Project Man...