HESS is a partnership project between the University of Minnesota Rochester and Rochester Public Utilities.

HESS Project Funding:

American Public Power's research program DEED
Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE)
Rochester Public Utilities (RPU)
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA)

Test Laboratory Contributors:

Alvin E. Benike Inc.
Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Center
City of Rochester
Haley Comfort Systems
Sebesta Blomberg & Associates Inc.
Superior Mechanical
Superior Plumbing & Heating
Rochester Public Utilities (RPU)
University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR)
Trane
Yaggy Colby Associates

The study focuses on integrating fuel cells with existing and future heating and cooling technologies including:

• Fuel cells
• Geothermal energy
• Digital system controls

On 12/2/02 the RPU Utility Board approved the contractual partnership between Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) and University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR). The fuel cell study consists of 3 phases that will be completed over a 5 year timeframe. Currently, phase II is in development.

Phase I- Understand the current state of the art, fuel cell operations, and future fuel cell industry directions.

Phase II- Combine fuel cell with geothermal heat pump (test site is at Quarry Hill Nature Center).

RPU began studying options for the future of Rochester's power supply in 2003. Please consult this page for the latest postings on the various studies that will occur through mid-2005.

Phase III- Develop and install computerization, dependant on success of phase II.

Overall Goal- Help establish the base of scientific research at UMR and initiate activities in Rochester related to Minnesota's 'hydrogen economy'

Below is a list of milestones for the HESS project- We have completed our Part 1 Milestone and are well into achieving our Part 2 Milestone.

• Part 1 Milestone: Test site selection confirmed. The specifications for the fuel cell/geothermal test system set.
• Part 2 Milestone: Complete installation of integrated test set up
• Part 3 Milestone: Test set up operational and testing started
• Part 4 Milestone: Comprehensive collection of test data complete
• Part 5 Milestone: Demonstrate total system model. Write final project report.

Dynamic Performance of the Nexa Fuel Cell Power Module

Check back for updates and progress reports on the HESS project.

UPDATE (12-28-06)

Phase II experiments will begin in February of 2007. The experiments involve testing for energy efficiencies gained through the simultaneous operation of a fuel cell and geothermal heat pump.



Other Phase II developments include:

• We have moved the lab from RPU’s facility to Quarry Hill nature center in Rochester.
• Equipment has been installed at the Quarry Hill lab (see picture below).
• A hydronic thermal storage system is being assembled and verified inside the laboratory. This system will be buried into the ground in May.
• An air ventilation system is being installed in January.
• An approved hydrogen safety and warning system will also be installed in January.

Pictured- Actual HESS lab located at Quarry Hill nature center

For more information on the HESS project contact Tony Benson, Communications Coordinator, at 507-280-1534 or tbenson@rpu.org