BAHIA – an educational test system for training purposes.

This self-contained test system is intended for PEM fuel cell technology training, and provides a framework of practical work.

It is a pedagogical suite including a 1 kWe fuel cell test bench as well as the software permitting the preparation of practical work, simulation, interpretation and valorisation of the results.

Developed in partnership with several higher education players, the first units have been in use by students at the IUT de Marseille and the École Polytechnique since the beginning of 2008.

The SPACT-80 system, comprising the fuel cell and all its auxiliaries (compressor, humidifier, control and command…) supplies a gross capacity of 72 kWe. It was tested at HELION before being delivered in November 2007 to the SNCF for static trials on their test bench. These static trials are prior to trials in an actual locomotive and these are slated for the last quarter of 2008.

HELION joined the new Renewable Energies Business Unit of the AREVA Group. The hydrogen and fuel cell based energy solutions proposed by HELION for both stationary and mobile applications complete the biomass and wind generator offerings of the Group.

The H₂/air stack developed by HELION in the framework of "transport" applications has now attained a capacity of 50 kWe.

HELION produces a cogeneration system known as COREPAC. It integrates a fuel cell module, a membrane reformer module delivering pure hydrogen and a power conditioning module that enables connection to the network. This entirely integrated system delivers 4.6 kW_AC and 8 kW_TH.

HELION has put in service the first industrial fuel cell backup power generating set of 30 kWe in a real-life operating situation at the new headquarters of the CEA - Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique - at Saclay, France. This system guarantees the permanence of electrical supply to a vital part of the building. The SYSPAC 30 system was presented on the 5^th of July, during the inauguration of the new headquarters of the CEA, to Ministers Breton, De Robien, Goulard and Loos and to the management of the CEA. This was a key step in the ongoing development of HELION.

HELION presents the first emergency power system based on fuel cell technology. Compact, and with a power of 5 kWe operating in the H₂/O₂ mode and offering higher levels of availability and safety, this product targets the industrial sector. It incorporates a fuel cell stack, an electrolyser and storage and electrical conversion systems, and represents a new step in the development of the company.

HELION presents the first prototype of PEM fuel cell technology. A functional prototype with a power of 2 kWe, which represents a new step in the development of the company.

Having drawn up the company statutes on the 8^th of March 2001, HELION officially began its activities in May, and in September will move to its premises in the Europôle de l'Arbois, in Aix-en-Provence, France.