The Wayne State University College of Engineering is one of three sites in the state where the public will have the opportunity to observe current integrated Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology in operation.

A fully integrated 5-kilowatt fuel cell system from DTE Energy Technologies has been installed at the College where it will augment power to the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering building.

DTE Energy Technologies, a subsidiary of DTE Energy, has provided PEM fuel cell units to three Michigan universities for a one year program to demonstrate early model hydrogen fuel cell power generation as the country moves toward development of sustainable fuel technology. The projects are funded by a Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Michigan Energy Efficiency Grant.

Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn and the MTEC facility at Macomb Community College in Warren were also selected as demonstration sites. "Here at the College we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of the change toward new sustainable fuel technologies with the research collaborations we have established," said Ralph Kummel, acting dean of the WSU College of Engineering. "Thanks to DTE Energy Technologies, we can showcase the emerging technology as we seek a better way to power our cars, homes and businesses."

The demonstration projects give the public an early look at an evolving technology and its benefits -- specifically, no emissions, high energy efficiency, very few moving parts and quiet operation, said Brian Komorek, DTE Energy Technologies business development director. "The technology is evolving; it's exciting, and it's important to know how this will impact the public in the future."

The project also demonstrates how power might be distributed to customers- at the point of consumption, or 'distributed generation' as it is called in the industry. Traditionally, large power plants send power over a sprawling grid system connecting with customers. The future envisions our homes and buildings powered by on-site generation.

The power system being demonstrated is a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system manufactured by Plug Power, Inc. of Latham, New York, and distributed by DTE Energy Technologies under the brand name, energy|now(tm). Electricity is generated via an electrochemical process -- similar to an ordinary battery -- that converts the energy from the reaction directly into electricity, heat and water. The system's reformer will extract the hydrogen from natural gas, a more widely available fuel source.

The Plug Power system produces about 120 kilowatts of electricity a day. The total system approaches 80 percent efficiency, utilizing the waste heat, which is highly efficient for an electrical producing device, said Komorek. "With this early stage technology, the cost is still very high, more than$12,000 per kilowatt hour, but you will see it coming down as the technology evolves."

DTE Energy, which owns a 28 percent share of Plug Power, is already using two energy|now PEM fuel cell systems at its Hancock substation in Commerce Township. The systems have been providing backup power to the station's DC controls since early 2002 in a project intended to demonstrate the feasibility of using the technology in tandem with the conventional power grid.

At Wayne State, the energy|now fuel cell is set up behind the Engineering Technology building at Warren Avenue and Anthony Wayne Drive neighboring the Manufacturing and Engineering building.

Signs as well as a brief description of the hydrogen fuel cell system will be posted at the site. An Engineering Technology facilities coordinator will be trained and certified by DTE Energy Technologies and Plug Power to operate the generator, and allow him to educate others about its operation. Two Engineering Technology faculty members will incorporate the demo project into their curriculum.

DTE Energy Technologies plans to sponsor other new technology demo projects, including a viable residential PEM fuel cell model it hopes to demonstrate in two or three years, said Komorek.

The College of Engineering at Wayne State University, with more than 2,600undergraduate and graduate students, offers a wide range of fully accredited engineering disciplines. Its well-respected graduates represent a large force in Michigan industry and the engineering field.