HELBIO is active in the development and commercialization of hydrogen and energy production systems from renewable sources integrated with fuel cells. The main hydrogen carriers utilized include biofuels such as bio-ethanol, biogas and bio-oil. Other sources of hydrogen, such as fossil fuels (natural gas, LPG, gasoline, diesel) are also examined. HELBIO was established in 2001 as a spin-off company with the purpose to commercialize fuel processing technology developed at the University of Patras. The company is funded by venture capital (Emporiki Bank SA), has established collaborations with major European institutions and participates in national and European research, development and demonstration projects. Prof. X.E. Verykios is the Scientific Advisor of the company, while the R&D department is managed by Dr. D.K. Liguras

TECHNOLOGY
HELBIO has developed a process for distributed CHP production from biomass, described in International Patent PCT 9801000180/22.5.98. The major advantage of the process is the utilization of aqueous solutions of ethanol (no need for absolute alcohol, lower cost) and near zero emissions of pollutants, including CO2.

One of the major advantages of the company are the novel, proprietary catalysts that have been developed for the reformation of ethanol and other fuels, for the Water-Gas-Shift reactions and for the selective oxidation or methanation of CO. The whole series of catalysts enable the efficient production of high purity hydrogen that is suitable for use in low- temperature (PEM) fuel cell applications.

The second major advantage of the company is the development of novel heat-exchanger type reactor configurations such as the Heat Integrated Wall Reactor (HIWAR) suitable for the reforming, WGS, methanation and SelOx reactions

PRODUCTS
HELBIO has designed and constructed a pre-commercial 10 kWe equivalent hydrogen production unit capable of meeting specifications for a PEM fuel cell. This unit has been in operation since 12/2004.

Currently, HELBIO is progressing the detailed design of a 50-100 Nm3/h hydrogen production unit for an industrial hydrogen user and for a vehicle refueling station.

HELBIOʼs newest product is the HT-1000, a novel, efficient and portable Fuel Cell Power System fuel by LPG, propane or natural gas and producing 0.5-1.5 kW electric power. The HT-1000 addresses the needs of leisure activities such as campers/caravans/RVs, boats, remote cabins, special vehicles etc.

 
HELBIO SA