Palo Alto, Calif. —  Microcell Corporation has been presented with Frost & Sullivan's 2005 Technology Innovation Award in the field of advanced energy sources for its outstanding efforts in developing the Microcell™, an advanced extrusion-based proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology. The company has significantly aided the clean conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy, making fuel cells available to all types of end users.

Through bundling, microcells can be used for applications ranging from portable electronics to automotive. These fuel cells are powered by either hydrogen or methanol.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this Award to a company (or individual) that has carried out new research that has resulted in innovations that have or are expected to bring significant contributions to the industry in terms of adoption, change, and competitive posture. The Award recognizes the quality and depth of a company's research and development program as well as the vision and risk-taking that enabled it to undertake such an endeavor.

Microcell is developing novel compact fuel cells using patented micro fibers. The mainstay of the company's technology is the Microcell™ design concept. Its high volumetric power density, extrusion-based scalable process for cost effective large-scale production, and versatility in size and shape distinguish it from other fuel cell technologies.

It incorporates all the critical components of a planar PEM fuel cell in a single fiber ('microcell'). The microcell is around 500-1000 micrometers in diameter and is produced through an automated extrusion process. Extrusion can be used to tailor fuel cells of desired length and size using the same line. Further, these fibers, or microcells, can be fabricated into modular cores and customized for specific requirements.

The company's innovative portfolio comprises the Microcell-DG, Microcell-EV, and Microcell–PE, which will be employed in distributed generation, electric vehicles, and portable electronics applications and can be customized to meet required power output.

“With its innovative approach, Microcell has proverbially crossed the barriers of cost and process restraints along with facilitating repair and maintenance,” says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Hari Ramamoorthy. “In fact, its approach has shifted the focus from fuel cells that were conventionally based on a planar (plate and frame) geometry to fuel cells of tubular geometry.”

To further research & development and commercialize the technology for specific applications, Microcell has entered into partnerships with Washington D.C.-based Pepco Holdings, Inc. and Raleigh-based Progress Energy. The company's intellectual property portfolio currently comprises eleven US patents. In addition, ten U.S. patent applications have been filed and six international applications are in various stages of development.

“Microcell has been recognized with Frost & Sullivan's Award for Technology Innovation for of its outstanding efforts in the development of an innovative extrusion-based fuel cell technology that has significant potential for use across a wide range of applications such as automotive, stand alone power systems for homes and businesses and portable power applications,” notes Ramamoorthy.

About Microcell Corporation

Microcell Corporation is a privately owned corporation incorporated in 2000. The company is located in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. While capable of producing the world's smallest fuel cell, Microcell's focus is currently on the production of fuel cells for distributed generation and automotive applications. The company has developed its first fuel cell cores designed for 1-kilowatt units, and testing is under way. More information is available on the Web site at http://www.microcellcorp.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit www.frost.com.

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