MHTL to partner with G2X, negotiate methanol offtake agreement from G2X methanol-to-gasoline plant

19 December 2014

G2X Energy, Inc. and Methanol Holdings Trinidad Limited (MHTL) announced that MHTL intends to partner with G2X Energy to construct the world-scale methanol-to-gasoline (MTG)-ready, methanol production facility being developed by G2X Energy in Lake Charles, Louisiana. (Earlier post.)

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MHTL is one of the largest methanol producers in the world with a total capacity of more than 4 million metric tons annually from its five (5) methanol plants located at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate on the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company is the largest supplier of methanol to North America and is also a significant supplier to the European Market.

The Big Lake Fuels LLC facility will produce 1.4 million metric tons of commercial-grade methanol per year and will have the necessary facilities to convert methanol to automotive gasoline in the future. As part of MHTL’s potential investment into G2X Energy and the Big Lake Fuels plant, MHTL will enter into the negotiation of an exclusive offtake agreement to market the entire production of methanol from Big Lake Fuels’ first methanol plant.

The Big Lake Fuels plant will initially produce methanol, and methanol-to-gasoline production will be an option in the future, said G2X Energy President and CEO Tim Vail.

The plant will be located on a 200-acre site on the Calcasieu Industrial Canal off of the main Calcasieu Ship Channel. The site is located adjacent to multiple large natural gas pipelines and industrial electricity connectivity, and affords the option to ship methanol via barge or oceangoing vessel. The site has the capability to support multiple production process trains and has been secured from the Port of Lake Charles under a long-term lease agreement.

The facility will be constructed by the Proman Group under a fixed price EPC contract. Proman, based in Wollerau, Switzerland, has extensive experience building methanol production facilities. The company has built five world-scale plants in Trinidad and Oman similar in design to the Big Lake Fuels plant. The plant will utilize steam reforming and methanol synthesis technologies from Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies Limited. The plant received its air and construction permit from the state of Louisiana on 25 May. Construction is expected to begin in early 2015, after the project obtains the remaining permits and completes initial engineering.

U Texas Austin team finds P2S5 electrolyte additive enables use of Li2S bulk particles for high-capacity cathodes in lithium-sulfur batteries; ~800 mAh/g

19 December 2014

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, led by Prof. Arumugam Manthiram, have found that using phosphorus pentasulfide (P₂S₅) as an electrolyte additive
enables the direct use of commercially available bulk Li₂S particles as high-capacity cathode materials for rechargeable Li−S batteries, without intricate synthesis or application of a high charging cut-off voltage that deteriorates the electrolyte stability and safety.

The ability to use commercially available bulk particles could significantly decrease the manufacturing cost of Li−S batteries with a LiS cathode. In a paper published in the ACS Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, the team suggested that this strategy is both of significance for the safe and effective use of Li₂S as a cathode material and as a promising step toward the low-cost fabrication of metallic-lithium-free Li−S batteries.

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While Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries offer the promise of a high theoretical energy of ∼2500 Wh kg⁻¹, they require the use of a lithium-metal anode, the degradation of which can prove problematic for safety and performance. A possible alternative to the straight Li-S battery is to combine lithium-free anodes (such as tin or silicon) with a lithium sulfide (Li₂S) cathode (∼1166 mAh g⁻¹). (Earlier post.)

Researchers have identified that one issue with the use of Li₂S is a large potential barrier (∼1 V) on the initial charge of insulating bulk Li₂S particles, believed to relate to the nucleation of a new polysulfide phase.

The large voltage barrier can be overcome by applying a high initial charging cut-off voltage of ∼4.0 V—but that causes instabilities in the commonly used ether-based electrolytes and deteriorates the electrochemical performance.

It has recently been reported that P₂S₅ reacts with Li₂S in ether-based electrolytes. In this work, we systematically investigate the interaction between P₂S₅ and Li₂S and identify the possibility of using P₂S₅ as an electrolyte additive to activate commercially available bulk Li₂S particles for their direct use in room-temperature rechargeable Li−S batteries without apply-ing a high charging cut-off voltage. It is found that the electrolyte with the P₂S₅ additive effectively enhances the electrochemical activity of Li₂S. The activated Li₂S cathode exhibits a greatly lowered initial charging voltage plateau, indicating effective oxidation of Li₂S to polysulfides. Furthermore, the activation correlates to the formation of intermediate sulfur- and phosphorus-containing species on the surface of Li₂S, assisting the surface charge transfer.

The researchers examined the performance of the Li₂S cathode in electrolyte with P₂S₅ with CR2032 coin cells. Among the results were reversible discharge capacities of ∼800 mAh g (Li₂S)⁻¹ and capacity retention as high as 83% after 80 cycles. Coulombic efficiency remained near 100% with cycling.

They concluded that the interaction between P₂S₅ and Li₂S results in reduced cell resistance and enhanced surface oxidation of Li₂S to polysulfides, significantly lowering the initial charging voltage plateau.

The most effective electrochemical activation occurred when the molar ratio between Li₂S and P₂S₅ is 7:1, before a thick solid electrolyte layer forms on the surface of Li₂S. Because the core structure of the P₂S₅-activated, micron-sized Li₂S is retained when the most effective activation occurs, the activation is mainly a surface effect, they concluded.

Resources

• Chenxi Zu, Michael Klein, and Arumugam Manthiram (2014) “Activated Li₂S as a High-Performance Cathode for Rechargeable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries,” The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 2014 5 (22), 3986-3991 doi: 10.1021/jz5021108

California to award up to $4M for projects to advanced smart charging and V2G technologies

19 December 2014

The California Energy Commission has issued a solicitation (PON-14-310,
Driving the Integration of Electric Vehicles to Maximize Benefits to the Grid) to fund Applied Research and Development projects that will advance technologies and strategies for smart and efficient charging and vehicle-to-grid communication interfaces that will provide maximum benefits to both the electricity grid and the plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) market.

There is up to $4 million available for grants awarded under this solicitation. The minimum funding amount for each project is $500,000; maximum funding amount is $1.5 million. Match funding is not required for this solicitation; however, applications that include match funding will receive additional points during the scoring phase.

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California is targeting 1.5 million zero emission vehicles by 2025, a large portion of which are expected to be PEVs. Unmanaged charging of electric vehicles could lead to an increase in peak demand, therefore technologies and strategies are needed to encourage plug-in electric vehicle drivers to charge during times when grid demand is low and/or renewable sources are abundant, the Commission said.

Vehicle-to-grid technologies have the potential to support the stability and reliability of the electricity grid; however, there is still uncertainly as to how control and communication between the vehicles and electricity grid operators will work most effectively.

To be considered for funding, projects must fall within the following project groups:

• Group 1: Smart and efficient charging for integrating plug-in electric vehicles into the power grid. The Energy Commission seeks projects that investigate and pilot strategies that advance smart charging through the development of tools and methods that extend beyond the current state of technology.

• Group 2: Grid communication interfaces for plug-in electric vehicle charging to support vehicle-to-grid services. The Energy Commission seeks projects that develop advanced grid communication interfaces for plug-in electric vehicle charging to support vehicle-to-grid services which may include services provided to utilities, coordinating the charging of clusters of plug-in electric vehicles along individual feeders, and remote control and data communications for utilities and third party aggregators.

Toyota planning $126M expansion of SE Michigan RD campuses; powertrains and vehicle design

19 December 2014

Toyota is planning a further $126-million expansion of its Southeast Michigan RD campuses—the third time in just over a year that Toyota has announced plans to increase employment and investment in Michigan. Under the plan, Toyota will expand its powertrain operations at its Ann Arbor campus and consolidate vehicle development operations at a new facility on its York Township campus.

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Both vehicle development and powertrain functions will become centralized in Michigan, increasing their scope, responsibility and decision-making ability while providing improved communication and access to the company’s direct procurement division. Approximately 85 jobs will relocate to Michigan from California by the end of 2016 as a part of the move.

In late 2013, Toyota announced a $28-million expansion of its Ann Arbor operations and earlier this year announced the addition of 250 direct procurement and supplier engineering development positions currently based in Erlanger, Ky.

The Technical Center continues to be a vital part of our growing North American operations that enables Toyota to package greater value for our customers. Centralizing our vehicle development and powertrain functions here in Michigan is beneficial for our decision-making process and allows us to better respond to changes in the marketplace while improving the speed at which we can offer technology advances to customers

In April 2014, Toyota announced that it would establish new headquarters in North Dallas (Plano), Texas for its North American operations as part of a series of moves designed to better serve customers and position the company for sustainable, long-term growth. This strategy includes establishing a new North American headquarters in Plano, Texas; expanding the Toyota Technical Center facilities in Southeast Michigan to accommodate increased investment in its engineering and product development capabilities; and opening a production engineering facility at Toyota’s largest US manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Ky. The new facilities are expected to be completed by 2017.

Shanghai GM launches Chevrolet Sail 3; start-stop standard across all 5 variants

19 December 2014

Shanghai GM launched the Chevrolet Sail 3 in Chengdu; the third-generation Sail had been unveiled last month at the Guangzhou Motor Show. Five variants of the new family car with a choice of new 1.3L and 1.5L engines are available.
The Sail 3, built on Shanghai GM’s new-generation small car architecture, is the first model in its class that comes standard with a start-stop system, which reduces fuel consumption by 3-5% in heavy traffic.

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Another segment-exclusive feature is the EPS system, which reduces overall fuel consumption by an additional 3% while ensuring stable cornering at high speeds and flexible steering at low speeds.

The Sail 3 presents a new powertrain lineup that boosts power by 10-20% compared to the earlier model. It features a choice of 1.3L VVT or 1.5L DVVT engines, and a five-speed manual transmission.

• The 1.3L VVT engine offers maximum power of 76 kW (102 hp) and peak torque of 127 N·m (94 lb-ft). The engine achieves best-in-class fuel economy of 5.3 liters per 100 km (44.3 mpg US).

• The 1.5L DVVT engine generates maximum power of 83 kW (111 hp) and peak torque of 141 N·m (104 lb-ft). It consumes up to 8% less fuel than its predecessor, and offers fuel economy of 5.4 liters per 100 km (43.5 mpg US).

The Sail 3 has the most spacious interior in its class. It is 51 mm longer and 45 mm wider than its predecessor, while its wheelbase has been extended 35 mm. The result is 6 mm more shoulder room in front, 8% more headroom and 25% more knee room.

Shanghai GM and Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) engineers developed the Sail 3. Utilizing GM’s global standards and processes, the two GM joint ventures earned 59 patents for technologies in the model’s chassis, powertrain, exterior, interior, electronics and assembly.

Safety cage construction protects occupants in the event of a collision. Up to 5.7% of the vehicle’s body consists of PHS hot-rolled steel, which has a tensile strength of at least 1,300 MPa. The Sail 3 also comes standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and cornering brake control (CBC). Selected variants are equipped with four air bags.

Shanghai GM’s first use of a flexible tooling transmission system in small car manufacturing enhances the Sail 3’s production efficiency and overall craftsmanship. In addition, each Sail 3 is put through 107 high-standard painting processes and five anti-corrosion processes for exterior coating, and receives nine layers of anti-corrosion coating.

The Sail 3 complies with G0 global vehicle durability test standards for emerging markets. About 48,000 km of architecture tests, 350,000 km of powertrain tests, 640,000 km of exhaust tests and 2.8 million km of simulated road tests were carried out. Sail 3 buyers receive a three-year/100,000-km warranty.

The Sail 3 is priced from RMB 59,900 (US$9,600) for the 1.3 LS MT to RMB 73,900 (US$11,900) for the 1.5 LTS MT. All variants are entitled to an energy-saving subsidy of RMB 3,000 (US$483) as a result of the sedan being listed in the National Energy-Saving and Eco-Friendly Vehicle Catalogue.

Neste Oil and Renewable Energy Group enter into NExBTL license agreement

19 December 2014

Neste Oil Corporation and Renewable Energy Group have entered into a Settlement and License Agreement whereby the parties have settled Neste Oil’s US patent infringement lawsuits against REG and REG’s Singapore patent infringement lawsuits against Neste Oil and REG has licensed certain Neste Oil NExBTL renewable drop-in fuel technology and intellectual property rights for use at REG Geismar in Louisiana.

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The two said that the settlement reflects their conclusion that continued pursuit of the US and Singapore patent infringement lawsuits was counterproductive. With the disputes now resolved, REG and Neste Oil look forward to working together to grow and expand the renewable fuels and chemicals marketplace globally.

The settlement is not an admission by either party as to the validity or infringement by one party of the other party’s patents.

REG became the owner of the former Dynamic Fuels facility in Geismar, Louisiana in June, 2014. REG inherited the US and Singapore patent lawsuits that are now settled as part of the acquisitions of Syntroleum Corporation and Dynamic Fuels.