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Source Code: NVM41
that allows you, by plugging it
into the cassette deck, to port the
iPod’s output into your car stereo. It
also powers and charges the iPod
through the included mobile power
cord, holds it in place with a custom
cradle, and offers a swivel base
so you can position the screen
conveniently. The unit costs $49.99
and will be available in the USA by
the time this article goes to print,
with distribution to follow shortly
afterwards in Asia, Europe, and
Australia. NV
INDUSTRY AND THE PROFESSION
WIND-TO-HYDROGEN PROJECT ANNOUNCED
The US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL) and Xcel Energy ( www.xcelenergy.com) recently signed a cooperative agreement for an innovative “wind to hydrogen” research, development,
and demonstration project. Researchers will analyze and compare hydrogen
production from wind power and the electric grid. The hydrogen will be
produced through electrolysis. The agreement supports the President’s
Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, which seeks to develop the hydrogen, fuel cell, and
infrastructure technologies needed to make it practical for Americans to use
fuel cell vehicles by 2020. The wind-electrolysis system will be at NREL’s
National Wind Technology Center, where hydrogen will be produced,
compressed, and stored to be used as a vehicle fuel or to generate electricity.
The project will compare electrolyzer technologies and researchers will examine issues related to system efficiency, integration, compression, storage, cost,
and the use of a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas. According to an Xcel
representative, “Xcel Energy is the nation’s leading wind energy utility with
2,300 megawatts of capacity planned for our system by the end of next year,”
said Frank Novachek, director of Corporate Planning at Xcel Energy. “This project will help us explore how we can leverage clean, renewable, yet intermittent
power sources like wind into a more valuable resource for our utility customers.” Xcel Energy plans to invest more than $1.25 million in the project, and
NREL and the Department of Energy plan to invest approximately $750,000.
10
September 2006
