Manhattan Scientifics Completes Development and Initial Testing of the HYDROCYLCE
Manhattan Scientifics Inc. (New York City, NY) has completed initial development and initial testing of the HYDROCYCLE, a fuel cell powered bicycle, which utilizes Manhattan Scientifics' mid-range power technology developed by the company's NovArs unit in Passau, Germany.The power supply unit is based on a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that uses hydrogen and air to produce electric power. The process is pollution-free and the fuel cell's design is based on the use of advanced composite materials and sealing technology to minimize size and weight. The HYDROCYCLE is designed as a power source for portable electronic equipment or lightweight, personal transportation application. Manhattan Scientifics has applied for patent protection in the US, Europe and other key markets around the world.The cylindrical-shaped fuel cell stack, which powers the HYDROCYCLE, weighs 780 grams and delivers 670W of power to a hub motor. The hydrogen fuel is contained in a two-liter carbon fiber reinforced pressure vessel located behind the bicycle seat. This provides the cyclist with a driving range of up to 70-100km (flat surface) at a top speed of 30km/h. In production, the fuel tank can be integrated into the frame of the bicycle.With the minimal ancillary equipment needed by the system, energy densities of 205w/kg and the 115w/l can be reached. According to Manhattan Scientifics, the complete HYDROCYCLE fuel cell system has about seven times more energy density than lead acid batteries, at 30w/kg, and more than three times the energy density of NiMH batteries, at 60w/kg."We decided to build the bicycle to demonstrate the key features of our technology," said Dr. Arthur Koschany, founder and chief scientist of NovArs, commenting on the power densities of 860w/kg and 590w/l. "Other bicycle models, for different applications, will follow using similar material with parameters optimized for both lower and higher power output ranges."