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“Hydrogen Power Arrives Today”

Sunday 20th January 2008 was a special day when Birmingham based hydrogen fuel cell company Valeswood ETD Ltd tested its new hydrogen fuel cell electric outboard motor on Upper Bittell Reservoir, courtesy of Barnt Green Waters Ltd., and the Sailing / Fishing Clubs.

Valeswood managing director John Turner, in red and Dr Alex Bevan of Birmingham University put the new silent and pollution free outboard through its paces in the company of Adrian Savage, Chris Pack, Gordon Padmore and Robin Brown. These photo's courtesy on John Turner, with thanks.

One of the Club’s dinghies was used with a standard Minn Kota 12 volt electric motor loaned by Johnson Outdoors. This was connected to a hydrogen fuel cell made by Pearl fuel cells of Shanghai. Hydrogen was supplied from a nickel hydride cylinder containing 1200 litres of hydrogen gas.

The boat happily travelled at about 2.5 knots into a prevailing wind of 15 knots. Valeswood hopes to trial a larger 24 volt version in the near future.

Above. Chris and Adrian were allowed out on their own and were suitably impressed by the quiet efficiency of the outboard, barely audible as the only sound from the fuel cell is that of a small fan (from a computer) and the imperceptible hum of the electric outboard motor.

Left. John explains the technology to Robin as they head off across Upper Bittell, dodging the finishers of the second snowflake race as they went.

Not just a hydrogen powered boat, a bike too!

Right. Bob Suggitt, Race Officer for the day, makes sailing club history as he sets off down to the OOD box on the hydrogen bike! Barnt Green Sailing Club were proud to be able to assist in this trial by John and Alex. To find out more about the hydrogen bike and other projects, visit the Valeswood website by clicking this link VALESWOOD.COM (new window opens)

Above. Robin, Bob and Adrian look on while John Turner explains the finer points of riding a bike powered by hydrogen cell technology to Ray Le Gallais.

Left. Ray pushes off for his "assisted" ride. These bike photo's by Chris Pack. We all had a go on the bike but the best were the group of Children who came over for a go, Ellis and Taylor Jones were there and a few others, I can't remember who. The best photo opportunity was missed as Chris fetched his camera after the kids had gone!

Report by John Turner (the expert) and Robin Brown (the layman)