Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/883962
2 0 S T U F F • F a l l 2 0 1 7 C O O L S T U F F Proton OnSite's hydrogen generating units are used around the world to power hydrogen fuel cells for another mission – reducing greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. "Our technology is being used to fuel hydrogen fuel cell vehicles," says President Robert Friedland. Commercial airlines can fly longer routes, carry more passengers and slash spending on fuel with Pratt & Whitney's geared turbofan engine. GTF engines burn 16 percent less fuel, which provides airlines with significant savings. "The engines will save COOL STUFF Hydrogen electrolyzers Who makes it: Proton OnSite Where: Wallingford Founded: 1996 Employees: 82 in Connecticut How they make it: Proton OnSite electrolyzers incorporate a proton exchange membrane to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen during the electrolysis process. How much it costs: $6,000 to $3.5 million Who uses the product: Businesses and consumers in 75 countries. The company is the world's leading manufacturer of hydrogen electrolyzers with products ranging from appliance-size equipment for small-scale production to plant-size equipment for large-scale production. "States such as California have overproduction of solar and wind during the middle of the day. They've had to dump gigawatt-hours of power," says Friedland. "Our electrolyzers can store that excess power as hydrogen." COOL STUFF Jet Engines Who makes it: Pratt & Whitney Where: East Hartford and Middletown Founded: 1925 How they make it: Each jet engine contains roughly 2,000 parts. Geared Turbofan engines have a revolutionary 3:1 reduction gear on the shaft connecting the fan blades to the compressors and turbines. Employees: 31,500, with 9,000 in Connecticut How much it costs: Millions for larger commercial engines Who uses the product: Commercial airlines, militaries and businesses around the world More than 20 years and $10 billion went into the redesign of Pratt's new geared turbofan engine to increase efficiency. "Over the course of Pratt & Whitney's 90-plus year history, one element of the culture has always stood out, and that is our dedication to pushing limits and going beyond to find the next great innovative step forward," says Pratt & Whitney's President Bob Leduc.