About Us
AlGalCo was founded in 2006 and is commercializing a patented new technology in which hydrogen is generated on demand simply by adding any type of water to a solid alloy comprised of over 90% common aluminum. In the current application, the technology is being used to augment gasoline powered engines – testing is also underway to validate the same technology for diesel engines.
Because the spent alloy can be recovered and recycled an indefinite number of times using any form of excess electricity – windmill or solar for example – its capabilites for energy storage are limitless.
AlGalCo’s goals are to continue to explore the possibilities where the ability to create hydrogen on demand using an infinitely available resource can make this technology a viable alternative to liquid fuels.
Kim Morris - Director of Business Development
Kim has a broad range of professional experience in both the public and private sector. She has worked in direct sales; owned, operated, and marketed professional sports teams; and provided administrative support to top-tier executives. As Director of Business Development for AlGalCo, Kim works behind the scenes, drawing upon her administrative expertise, to work with investors and vendors. As part of her marketing responsibilities, she has established and maintains AlGalCo’s digital presence on the internet using Facebook and the company website. Kim enjoys an active lifestyle and values time with her four grown sons and their families.
Pete Carlino - ReUse/Recycling Manager
Pete has a lifelong interest in nature and the environment – he’s been active for many years in its preservation and promotion. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the management team – having co-owned and supervised a commercial general contracting firm for over 20 years prior to becoming involved with AlGalCo. This contracting background equips Pete with the ability to investigate “green” opportunities for alloy recycling and reuse – the alloy being a primary component of the AlGalCo solution. Additionally, he identifies material and manufacturing cost reductions, and selects and builds relationships with vendors for system production and maintenance. Pete enjoys history, current events, personal investing, hiking, fishing, and spending time with his family as well as being active in his church and community. He holds a Bachelors degree from Purdue University and several certifications. .
Applications – the sky’s the limit!
Hydrogen can be used partially, or in whole, to replace gasoline in standard internal combustion engines and fuel cells. Commercial applications include range extender for all electric vehicles and fuel mileage enhancement in existing cars and trucks. Military applications include balloon inflation and JP8 fuel replacement for generators at remote locations
Kurt C. Koehler - Founder and President
Kurt has spent his career identifying needs and finding solutions. A serial entrepreneur with five start-ups to his credit he has successfully created companies that have provided answers for many needs and has become adept at turning possibilities into realities. Sixteen years ago after witnessing a demonstration from a Purdue University researcher on how to make hydrogen on demand from aluminum and water he decided to perfect the technology. After years of research and development in the lab the aluminum based alloy is now fully characterized. He then spent eight years creating a system for delivering the subsequent hydrogen into engines powering fleet vehicles. The process now exists as a viable product for sale. Kurt holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees from Indiana University and his passions – outside of building companies – are his family and competing in Master’s Track and Field.
FAQ
What are the safety concerns?
The hydrogen is generated on demand eliminating on-board storage. In addition, no high pressure refueling system is required. The vessel containing the alloy and water is ASME certified and pressure tested to a 1.5 safety factor. The system is outfitted with automatic safety valves allowing hydrogen to vent should a malfunction or accident occur. The hydrogen feed line incorporates back-flash suppressors preventing any flame from reaching the system through the delivery line.
What happens if the vehicle runs out of hydrogen?
Nothing. The vehicle will continue to operate on gasoline as normal. The only difference is the advantage of improved fuel mileage and lowered emissions will not occur until the system is refilled. As there is no modification to the engine or ECM, the absence of hydrogen will not affect the vehicle’s standard performance.
What about EPA regulations against vehicle tampering?
The system qualifies as an after market bolt-on product meeting all relevant and applicable EPA regulations.
How much is the one-time cost to install?
The price per unit is calculated based on the number of units ordered and other factors identified during the site assessment. The system is ASME certified and constructed of stainless steel meaning that it will most likely outlast the multiple generations of vehicles on which it is mounted.
What is the economic incentive for deploying the system?
For the first year after installation, the price of the hydrogen generating alloy will be the same as the cost of the gasoline it replaces. After 12 months, the price for hydrogen will be negotiated to a level below that of the market price for gasoline. The minimum price for AlGalCo’s hydrogen, when compared to the price of gasoline, is $2.00 per gallon.
Who performs the refueling function?
Refueling can be performed by either the customer or an AlGalCo employee. Simply open the box, disconnect the two tubes, swap out the canisters and reconnect the two tubes. The refueling process takes about a minute.