BUSINESS
Overview of the Company, Products and Target Markets
Trulite is an emerging technology company engaged in the development and
production of portable and stationary products that produce hydrogen for the
generation of electricity for the commercial and consumer markets. The Company
has developed, tested, sold and delivered its first hydrogen storage product -
the HydroCell, an environmentally-friendly alternative to battery power. The
Company has submitted two patent applications for the HydroCell.
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In August, 2005, the Company demonstrated its first, complete, commercially
packaged, integrated, hydrogen fuel cell power system. In September 2005, the
Company introduced its Kitty Hawk system. The product consists of three
technologies: one that generates hydrogen gas from powered chemical compounds
(the HydroCell, which is a patented technology); one that transforms the
hydrogen gas into electricity (the fuel cell stack, which is not a patented
technology) and, one that controls the flow of hydrogen for the actual
generation of electricity (the control technology, which is not a patented
technology). The Company believes the Kitty Hawk is the least expensive energy
source on the market capable of producing 25 watts of power for several hours
(as an example, 25 watts of power is sufficient to power a DVD player for
several hours while concurrently charging a cell phone). It was Trulite's
integration of its patented technology (the HydroCell) with its unpatented
control program and unpatented fuel cell stack that created an integrated
hydrogen fuel cell power system called the Kitty Hawk.
In November 2005, the Company received its first orders for twenty-five Kitty
Hawk systems. The units were manufactured in its Utah product development
facility and were delivered to a selected target audience in February and March,
2006. Also in November, 2005, the Company received a $25,000 contract from
Protonex Technology ("Protonex") to develop three high energy density prototype
HydroCells.
The Company is currently developing enhanced versions of the Kitty Hawk system:
the Kitty Hawk 3X and the Kitty Hawk 4. The Kitty Hawk 3X is designed to be a 50
Watt integrated power system that will be able to generate electricity for 3 to
4 hours. The first set of ten Kitty Hawk 3X systems is expected to be
manufactured and available in early July, 2006 to selected commercial customers
for field testing. It is anticipated that an additional forty units will be
manufactured by the end of August, 2006 for sale to selected commercial
customers for more comprehensive and expansive field testing. Field testing of
the units is expected to last 6 weeks. Upon completion of field testing of the
Kitty Hawk 3X, we anticipate units will be available for sale and delivery into
selected commercial and consumer markets some time during the fourth quarter of
2006. Funding for product development and manufacturing are expected to come
from bridge loans provided by CCP and external investors.
Trulite is also developing the Kitty Hawk 4 system, a more robust and powerful
Kitty Hawk system capable of generating up to two times the power output of the
current Kitty Hawk 3X unit. The Kitty Hawk 4 system is designed to be a 100 Watt
integrated power system able to generate electricity for up to 4 hours. The
Kitty Hawk 4 system is anticipated to be available for field testing by the end
of the first quarter, 2007. We anticipate manufacturing between 80 to 100 units
for sale to selected commercial customers for field testing. Field testing is
anticipated to take 8 to 10 weeks. Upon completion of field testing of the Kitty
Hawk 4 system by the end of the second quarter of 2007, we anticipate units will
be available for sale and delivery into selected commercial and consumer
markets. Funding for product development and manufacturing are expected to come
from bridge loans provided by CCP, external investors and revenues generated
from sales of the Kitty Hawk 4 units.
Trulite's strategy is to leverage its unique hydrogen source technology and fuel
cell technology to develop fuel cell products to address end-user applications
in two identified markets: Industrial Remote Monitoring, specifically, the
pipeline and well head market for remote sensing and monitoring of operating
conditions in oil and gas fields and Recreational Off-Site Usage. The market
segment for recreational off-site usage is focused on camping including a very
specific niche target of environmentally conscious camper.
Since inception, the Company has sought to develop alternative energy sources to
conventional portable and stationary technologies, such as batteries and diesel
generation units, for the commercial and consumer markets. Although the Company
is not focused on the military market, the Company anticipates pursuing
opportunities in this market through strategic relationships with companies such
as Protonex, as well as measuring the risks and rewards to the Company for
developing more specialized products for the military market.
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Historical
Trulite was incorporated in Delaware on July 15, 2004. Later that month, Trulite
purchased all membership interests of Trulite Technology, LC ("Trulite
Technology"), a Utah limited liability company, and merged with Trulite
Technology, whereby Trulite survived the merger. The Company is engaged in
researching, developing, manufacturing and commercializing hydrogen generation
and storage technology and integrated fuel cell products.
In January, 2002, members of Trulite Technology submitted a proposal in response
to a Small Business Innovation Research ("SBIR") solicitation from the Defense
Threat Reduction Agency ("DTRA") to research and develop a high energy density,
hydrogen source to ultimately power nuclear, chemical and biological detection
equipment in the field. The intended applications of the hydrogen fuel source
were for use by the military as a source of portable power.
Trulite Technology, LC was incorporated in May 20, 2002, upon receipt of
notification from the DTRA that Trulite Technology would receive a 6 month,
$100,000, Phase 1 SBIR award to develop a hydrogen fuel source (that is, a
technology for producing hydrogen gas) that could convert hydrogen gas into
electricity. All patent, software and other technical rights in any products are
retained by Trulite.
Work on the project commenced in August 2002, and in January, 2003, Trulite
Technology built and tested its first, dry, chemical hydride, hydrogen fuel
source. In January, 2003 Trulite Technology submitted a proposal to the United
States Air Force ("USAF") for a very high energy density hydrogen source for
larger fuel cell systems. Trulite Technology received notification from the USAF
in May, 2003 that it had been selected for another six month, $100,000 Phase 1
SBIR award. All patent, software and other technical rights in any products are
retained by Trulite.
In January, 2004, Trulite Technology received an order from Jadoo Power Systems
for two prototype chemical hydride cartridges. These were shipped in March,
2004. Trulite Technology also received an order from the Naval Research
Laboratory for four larger cartridges. These were shipped in July, 2004. In
October of 2003, Trulite had been introduced to John Berger of Contango Capital
Partners through Jadoo Power Systems. Contango Capital Partners become
interested in Trulite Technology's hydrogen source technology and Trulite
Technology concluded its first round of private funding with Contango Capital
Partners in July, 2004. Later in July, 2004, Trulite Technology merged with, and
transferred all if its interests to, the Company, a newly-formed Delaware
corporation.
Trulite is an emerging technology company engaged in the development and
production of portable and stationary products that produce hydrogen for the
generation of electricity for the commercial and consumer markets. The Company
has developed, tested, sold and delivered its first hydrogen storage product -
the HydroCell, an environmentally-friendly alternative to battery power. The
Company has submitted two patent applications for the HydroCell.
In August, 2005, the Company demonstrated its first, complete, commercially
packaged, integrated, hydrogen fuel cell power system. In September 2005, the
Company introduced its Kitty Hawk system. The product consists of three
technologies: one that generates hydrogen gas from powered chemical compounds
(the HydroCell); one that transforms the hydrogen gas into electricity (the fuel
cell stack) and, one that controls the flow of hydrogen for the actual
generation of electricity (the control technology). The Company believes the
Kitty Hawk is the least expensive energy source on the market capable for
producing 25 Watts of power for several hours (as an example, 25 Watts of power
is sufficient to power a DVD player for several hours while concurrently
charging a cell phone).
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In November 2005, the Company received its first orders for twenty-five Kitty
Hawk systems. The units were manufactured in its Utah product development
facility and were delivered to a selected target audience in February and March,
2006. Also in November, 2005, the Company received a $25,000 contract from
Protonex to develop three high energy density prototype HydroCells.
The Company is currently developing enhanced versions of the Kitty Hawk system:
the Kitty Hawk 3X and the Kitty Hawk 4. The Kitty Hawk 3X is designed to be a 50
Watt integrated power system that will be able to generate electricity for 3 to
4 hours. The first set of ten Kitty Hawk 3X systems is expected to be
manufactured and available in early July, 2006 to selected commercial customers
for field testing. It is anticipated that an additional forty units will be
manufactured by the end of August, 2006 for sale to selected commercial
customers for more comprehensive and expansive field testing. Field testing of
the units is expected to last 6 weeks. Upon completion of field testing of the
Kitty Hawk 3X, we anticipate units will be available for sale and delivery into
selected commercial and consumer markets some time during the fourth quarter of
2006. Funding for product development and manufacturing are expected to come
from bridge loans provided by Contango Capital Partners, LP ("CCP") and external
investors.
Trulite is also developing the Kitty Hawk 4 system, a more robust and powerful
Kitty Hawk system capable of generating up to two times the power output of the
current Kitty Hawk 3X unit. The Kitty Hawk 4 system is designed to be a 100 Watt
integrated power system able to generate electricity for up to 4 hours. The
Kitty Hawk 4 system is anticipated to be available for field testing by the end
of the first quarter, 2007. We anticipate manufacturing between 80 to 100 units
for sale to selected commercial customers for field testing. Field testing is
anticipated to take 8 to 10 weeks. Upon completion of field testing of the Kitty
Hawk 4 system by the end of the second quarter of 2007, we anticipate units will
be available for sale and delivery into selected commercial and consumer
markets. Funding for product development and manufacturing are expected to come
from bridge loans provided by CCP, external investors and revenues generated
from sales of the Kitty Hawk 4 units.
In the second quarter of 2006, we anticipate hiring a Chief Operating Officer
and a Vice President of Product Development. The objectives of hiring additional
senior management personnel will be to ensure the successful operations of the
Company and to ensure the on-going product development of the Kitty Hawk
integrated power system.
Overview of the Alternative Fuel Industry
There are a number of factors which management believes are creating significant
changes in the landscape of the alternative fuel industry, which in turn,
present significant opportunities for hydrogen generation and fuel cell
technologies:
1) Conventional hydrocarbon energy sources (oil and natural gas) face increasing
problems with maintaining supply in the face of growing global demand (Simmons &
Co, a Houston based investment bank focused on energy, predicts oil will average
$200 per barrel in 2010);
2) Power reliability (that is, the electric power provided to commercial and
consumer markets through the electrical grid) is becoming an increasing problem
in the US and other countries due to aging infrastructure, necessitating an
alternative off-grid power source;
3) The increasing proliferation of electronic devices from cell phones to
portable digital movie and music players to personal computers are becoming
increasingly power hungry as their capabilities increase; it is becoming more
challenging for conventional battery technology to keep pace with increasing
power requirements resulting in power supply problems in these devices;
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4) Increasing global environmental and regulatory issues are making the use of
hydrocarbons ever more difficult; and
5) Increasing geopolitical issues are causing global security concerns related
to availability and price of oil and natural gas.
Due to these pressures, we believe the energy industry will change dramatically
before the end of this decade. Trulite also believes both portable and
stationary hydrogen fuel cell products provide practical, cost efficient
solutions to the reliability and longevity demands of today's high technology
devices, as well as providing new, alternative solutions to existing power
requirement problems by providing reliable alternative power sources.
Fuel cell and alternative fuel source technology is still being developed and
refined. In many applications applied research and technology development
remains a vitally important part of the industry. Reliability, cost and safe
deployment of this technology will be key to initial successes.
A fuel cell is a non-mechanical device (it is a very thin membrane similar to a
computer chip) which converts hydrogen gas (the fuel source) and oxygen into
electricity and water. The water is a non-toxic by-product resulting from the
process of generating electricity and is eliminated during the electricity
conversion process. Each fuel cell (that is, each "chip") produces a given
amount of power when the hydrogen and water are combined (the power output is
measured in watts). When several fuel cells are combined or "stacked", they
create a fuel cell stack. For example, when several fuel cells are combined into
a fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack is capable of producing in excess of 25
watts of power. The power output is capable, for example, of powering a DVD
player and charging a cell phone simultaneously.
There will be winners and losers in the commercialization process as the
technology develops. However, it is too early to tell which technologies will
ultimately dominate in certain applications, although the future direction
appears clear in some major application areas, such as Proton Exchange Membrane
Fuel Cell (PEMFC) technology in fuel cell cars.
Products utilizing fuel cell technology include fuel cell buses, numerous
military applications, auxiliary power units, remote power and other
transportation applications. Broad commercialization of fuel cell usage depends
on reducing per unit costs. Products will be commercialized at price points that
make sense to both commercial and consumer markets. Stationary and portable
applications currently lead the way, as fuel cells replace batteries in the
portable and stationary, light industrial and transportation applications.
Portable applications such as premium battery markets, where fuel cells improve
run time and can be cost competitive, appear to be leading the early efforts of
commercialization. This initial focus should also help demonstrate product
performance, reliability and durability, reduce production costs, establish
codes and standards for fuel cell technology, build a skilled labor force,
develop a hydrogen infrastructure and create public awareness and acceptance.
An industry survey indicated that approximately 60% of the companies surveyed
are focusing their efforts on PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells (or
closely related Direct Methanol fuel cell) technologies. PEM fuel cells continue
to be of most interest to fuel cell developers. The report also suggests that
government actions to address fuel costs, supply risks, and the environment
could positively and dramatically impact fuel cell industry prospects in the
next two to three years.
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The industry survey also indicated that approximately 38 companies are expected
to offer pre-commercial (demonstration units) or commercial products in 2006.
General trends indicate that in the next three to five years delays in product
launch might occur due to either fuel cell performance issues or non technical
issues such as lack of codification of codes and standards. These delays may
result in slow adoption of fuel cell products in both the commercial and
consumer markets.
Trulite's Products
Trulite has two products: the HydroCell, a hydrogen generation and storage
product, and the Kitty Hawk power system, a commercially packaged, integrated,
hydrogen fuel cell power system.
Trulite's HydroCell is a technology that utilizes a cartridge filled with a
chemical hydride (sodium borohydride) that, when injected with water, produces
hydrogen on demand for portable and stationary power devices. Each cartridge can
generate up to 500 milliliters/minute of hydrogen. Each cartridge is compact and
lightweight, weighing only 175 grams. Power to weight ratio (the ability to
generate the same or more energy by cutting the weight of the generating device)
is one of many important factors in gaining market acceptance for alternative
power sources. The HydroCell technology enables fuel cells to run at least two
to three (2-3) times longer than existing fuel cell and battery technology,
while weighing significantly less than these technologies. The key to the
HydroCell's efficient design is that it uses moist air exiting a Proton Exchange
Membrane (PEM) fuel cell to produce hydrogen for the PEM fuel cell stack. Water
recycling not only enables the HydroCell to produce several liters of hydrogen
from a lightweight package, but also means that the HydroCell produces hydrogen
only when the fuel cell stack is operating. The proprietary control technology
used inside the HydroCell and the cartridges make possible the safe production
of hydrogen. The internal cartridge components allow the energy dense chemical
hydride to react with the injected water in a controlled manner while providing
for complete reactivity of the material.
The initial product we seek to market (the HydroCell) is a metallic cylinder
approximately 2 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height which holds the
chemical hydride. When water is injected into the cylinder, it creates a
chemical reaction which generates hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is transformed
into electricity via the fuel cell, which then powers the product in which it is
installed. The container is sealed to prevent moisture from entering the
cylinder and to ensure the chemical hydride does not escape the cylinder. The
cylinder is robust and will not break if dropped, resulting in a reliable,
robust product which is easy to manufacture.
Trulite believes the significance of the HydroCell is the proprietary, chemical
hydride mixture and chemical reaction process wherein the generation of hydrogen
does not occur until water is added to the chemical hydride. Given that the
hydride is inert until water is added, a Trulite cartridge can be kept in
storage for a minimum of three years without losing its energy density. In other
words, the energy level doesn't get weaker over time. We believe the HydroCell
has the highest energy density of any known portable hydrogen source currently
available in the market. This is a significant difference from offerings from
some of our competitors, as we believe there are no "dry hydride" technologies
currently available to the consumer market. Trulite's dry hydride technology for
generating hydrogen makes it possible to build HydroCell cartridges capable of
generating hydrogen for up to 72 hours continuously by increasing the size of
the cartridge and adding more chemical hydride.
We believe the HydroCell's design offers the following advantages:
- SAFETY: Hydrogen is produced only as it is needed, resulting in increasing
safety;
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- RELIABILITY: The HydroCell has few moving parts, making it a reliable fuel
source;
- REUSABILITY AND COST: The HydroCell capsules are inexpensive compared with the
costs associated with generating an equal amount of energy from conventional
energy sources over the life span of one HydroCell cartridge, thus reducing the
total cost of ownership to consumer;
- DISPOSABILITY: The HydroCell capsules are disposable. The by-product is an
inert, solid, chemical oxide with minimal health hazard capable of being
discarded in landfills; and
- SHELF LIFE: The HydroCell can lie dormant for up to thirty-six (36) months
without losing its energy density.
The Company has submitted two patent applications for the HydroCell.
The second product we seek to market is the Kitty Hawk power system, a
commercially packaged, integrated, hydrogen fuel cell power system. The Kitty
Hawk product consists of three technologies: one that generates hydrogen gas
from powered chemical compounds (the HydroCell, which is patented); one that
transforms the hydrogen gas into electricity (the fuel cell stack, which is
unpatented) and one that controls the flow of hydrogen for the actual generation
of electricity (the control technology, which is unpatented). The Kitty Hawk
unit is rectangular in shape, weighs almost eight pounds and is easily portable.
The control technology is an integrated, programmable electronic circuit (that
is, the circuit can be programmed to perform specific tasks) that is used to
control the flow of hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel stack. The purpose of the
control technology is to ensure the proper amount of hydrogen is generated to
power the device which is attached to the Kitty Hawk product. If too much or too
little hydrogen is generated, the efficiency of the Kitty Hawk is significantly
reduced, which results in power loss and the unit's inability to power the
devices attached to the Kitty Hawk.
Trulite manufactures the fuel cell stack, develops product enhancements and
engages in new product development on the fuel cell stack. The Kitty Hawk power
system was introduced by Trulite in September, 2005. The Kitty Hawk product uses
the HydroCell system to generate hydrogen for up three hours and is capable of
generating 25 watts of useable power. That is, although the product generates
approximately 40 to 50 watts of power, the system requires approximately 15 to
20 watts of power internally to run the unit. The result is 25 watts of usable
power, which is more than sufficient to run a radio while concurrently charging
a cell phone. Trulite manufactured and delivered twenty-five units to selected
customers in February and March, 2006.
Although the Kitty Hawk power system is an integrated, hydrogen fuel cell power
system, the HydroCell can be marketed and sold separately to companies wanting a
dry hydride technology for generating hydrogen. For example, Trulite has sold
the HydroCell to Protonex for military applications. Although the fuel cell
stack can be marketed and sold separately, Trulite has no plans to either market
or sell the fuel cell stack separately. Trulite has no plans to market and sell
the control technology separately.
Current Status of Projects
Trulite is currently developing the next generation of the Kitty Hawk (the
KH-3X), which is expected to have a number of enhancements: improved physical
design; noise reduction; faster start up cycle (several seconds versus 2 to 3
minutes); fuel level gauge to indicate the level of energy remaining in the
cartridge; an attached carrying handle; a status display screen indicating the
power output of the unit; interior technical modifications to eliminate hose
pinching; and increased power output to 35 to 40 watts of power. Each of these
enhancements will require several steps including designing and building the
enhancement; testing the enhancement to ensure it performs as specified;
incorporating and testing the enhancement in the Kitty Hawk unit; and, finally
testing the Kitty Hawk unit in a customer environment.
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The design, build and test of the enhancements began in March, 2006 and are
expected to be completed by the middle of June, 2006. The testing of the
enhancements is an on-going process. As each enhancement is built, it is tested.
Each time a new enhancement is added to the Kitty Hawk unit, the entire Kitty
Hawk 3X system is tested to ensure all of the enhancements work as an integrated
system. Beginning in mid-June, 2006, ten units will be manufactured for delivery
to selected customers for field testing. If the Kitty Hawk 3X unit successfully
completes field testing by the end of September, 2006, it is expected to be
commercially available for sale and delivery into selected commercial and
consumer markets shortly thereafter.
Trulite is also developing the Kitty Hawk 4. The product will be designed to
have a power output two times great than the Kitty Hawk 3X. Product enhancements
to the Kitty Hawk 4 will include: reducing the overhead required to run the
Kitty Hawk 4 power system; increased ruggedness; and enhanced ergonomics and
physical design. Each of these enhancements will also require going through the
proving process set forth above prior to commercial availability.
The design of the Kitty Hawk 4 system is anticipated to commence in September,
2006 and is anticipated to be completed by December, 2006. The Kitty Hawk 4
system is anticipated to be available for field testing by the end of the first
quarter of 2007. Field testing is anticipated to take eight to ten weeks. Upon
completion of field testing of the Kitty Hawk 4 system, expected to be by the
end of the second quarter of 2007, we anticipate units will be available for
sale and delivery into selected commercial and consumer markets.
In November, 2005, Trulite established a manual production line sufficient to
meet a 5 fuel cell per month and 35 HydroCell (the hydrogen cartridge) per month
rate. Our near term goal is for the manufacturing facilities to ramp up to meet
a potential demand of 20 fuel cells per month and 200 HydroCell per month. At
such time as demand reaches a run rate of 80 fuel cells per month and 800
HydroCells per month, we anticipate that manufacturing will transition from
manual to automated processes. Thereafter, outsourcing relationships are
expected to be established for a few simple, non-proprietary sub-components.
Full outsourcing likely will begin once volume demand approaches 250 fuel cells
per month and 1500 HydroCells per month. This outsourcing event will trigger the
beginning of the shift to a final assembly and test facility at our own
manufacturing site located in Texas.
In 2005, Trulite generated $16,667 in revenues from the sale of the HydroCell.
Management intends to focus its initial efforts on the industrial remote
monitoring (the monitoring and remote sensing of oil and gas pipelines, oil
wells and gas wells) and recreational camping markets, both of which have a need
for a large amount of portable power on demand.
Market Opportunities
The anticipated opportunity in the recreational camping market for remote power
devices comparable to the Kitty Hawk product was based upon analyzing the
available products in this sector such as the Anton Bauer 2702 battery charger,
SunWize AC 40/65 40 Watt remote power system, the Frezzi M1000P video power
charger, the HPC 6624A 40 Watt power system, as well as several other companies
which provide products comparable to the Kitty Hawk power system. Trulite
believes the Kitty Hawk product is well suited for recreational camping
applications such as providing power for travel refrigerators/coolers, cell
phone chargers, portable TVs, portable DVD players, and powering air and water
purification units.
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The Company plans to distribute its consumer Kitty Hawk products through three
different channels: (1) direct to consumer sales (expected to be on a limited
basis); (2) bundling; and (3) retail stores. The Company also plans on using the
Internet, through sites such as eBay, Amazon, Overstock and Yahoo, to sell
directly to consumers on a limited basis in order to test market its products,
as well as establish consumer price points. The Company is also targeting
original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") in an attempt to bundle its products
with those of the OEM. Advantages to partnering with an OEM include leveraging
the OEM's customer base and cross-selling Trulite's products with existing OEM
products. Lastly, the Company intends to attempt to market the Kitty Hawk to
major high-end retail stores, such as REI, Northface, Patagonia and Brookstone,
Orvis and Cabela's in an attempt to attract the high end camping market.
Business Strategy
The Company believes the HydroCell powered Kitty Hawk is substantially less
expensive than comparable energy sources capable of producing 25 watts of power
for several hours in this market segment. Based upon interviews with outside
engineers from a major energy company, as well as analysis developed by
Trulite's own engineers, the power output of the Kitty Hawk system is capable of
supporting typical user applications in the pipeline and well head markets.
Trulite is currently testing a HydroCell capable of powering a Kitty Hawk system
for seventy two continuous hours. Product enhancements are planned to develop a
HydroCell capable of generating 10,000 watt hours of power which is equivalent
to running a Kitty Hawk unit for seven hundred and twenty contiguous hours.
Trulite's strategy is to leverage its unique hydrogen generation technology and
its fuel stack technology to develop and sell integrated fuel cell products to
address end-user applications in two identified markets: Industrial Remote
Monitoring and Recreational Off-Site. Trulite's business model is based upon the
sale of its product, the Kitty Hawk, to specific target markets as an integrated
solution. That is, since Trulite is able to bundle the fuel source with the fuel
cell, Trulite is able to sell the integrated unit in line with the price point
of competing fuel cell products. Trulite believes it is the only known source of
the dry power fuel source and consequently, expects to receive follow up orders
for HydroCell replacement cartridges. For example, for each Kitty Hawk unit
sold, Trulite estimates a customer will purchase 25 HydroCell cartridges every
year in the consumer market. Ongoing sales of replacement cartridges could
represent a continuous revenue stream resulting in the generation of profits
over the life of the Kitty Hawk unit.
Trulite seeks to make its hydrogen source technology the de-facto standard in
the industry and, through the sale of its Kitty Hawk integrated power system
product, capture a significant percentage of the industrial and consumer markets
in which the Company intends to enter. The following are the main components of
Trulite's strategy.
· Narrow Market Focus
Trulite is focusing its initial efforts on two distinct markets:
Industrial Remote Monitoring: Specifically, the pipeline and well head market
for remote sensing and monitoring of operating conditions in oil and gas fields.
Characteristically, these fields tend to be in remote locations with harsh
operating environments, making access difficult. The conventional power sources
used to operate these facilities are solar panels and batteries. Solar panels
turn sunlight into electricity that powers the batteries which, in turn, operate
the sensing and monitoring devices. However, there are a number of challenges
with solar energy: if the weather is cloudy for three days or more, electricity
can't be generated to power the batteries, making consistent and reliable
monitoring of such facilities difficult, if not impossible. Solar panels are
also subject to a variety of abuses, from vandalism to roaming animals knocking
down the panels, rendering them inoperative. The repair and maintenance of these
facilities is time consuming and costly, especially in remote environments. The
impact of the lack of monitoring data may result in significant loss of revenue
and potentially, may create an operational hazard. Trulite seeks to penetrate
this market for the following reasons:
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- The major oil producers have indicated an interest in replacing the common
lead acid battery/solar panel combination due to high staffing requirements and
operating costs required to maintain conventional batteries and a lack of
reliability, especially in adverse weather conditions;
- As the price of crude oil remains high, formerly abandoned or plugged wells
are coming on-line thanks to smaller oil producers, thereby substantially
increasing the size of the total available market. It is even more important for
these smaller producers to address operational issues such as increased
reliability and reduced operating expenses;
- We feel this market segment represents one of our best opportunities to
implement our existing products (the HydroCell and the Kitty Hawk power system)
and generate near-term revenue; and
- The management team of Trulite has a deep knowledge of this segment, as well
as numerous industry relationships at the most senior levels of management.
The Company believes the HydroCell powered Kitty Hawk is less expensive than
comparable sources of energy on the market capable of producing 25 watts of
power for several hours. Based upon interviews with engineers from a major
energy company, as well as analysis developed by Trulite's own engineers, the
power output of the Kitty Hawk system is capable of supporting typical user
applications in the pipeline and well head markets. Trulite is currently testing
a HydroCell capable of powering a Kitty Hawk system for seventy two continuous
hours. Product enhancements are planned to develop a HydroCell that is capable
of generating 10,000 watt hours of power which is equivalent to running a Kitty
Hawk unit for seven hundred and twenty contiguous hours.
Recreational Off-Site Usage: This market segment is focused on high end
recreational camping, including a very specific niche target of environmentally
conscious campers. Trulite seeks to enter this market for the following reasons:
- Belief that environmentalism continues its rise and this segment of the market
is willing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly technology;
- We hope that entering this market will broaden the visibility of our products
(specifically, the Kitty Hawk power system) to the consumer market, which is the
first step to entering the retail market space;
- This market segment will provide Trulite with a good test for product
performance (e.g., reliability, ease of use, new applications) as well as "new
learnings", which will enable the Company to enhance and adapt its product
offerings based on consumer feedback; and,
- The existing Trulite product has attributes ideally suited to this market
segment: compact, portable, significantly lighter than batteries,
environmentally friendly (water is the only by-product), high reliability, low
maintenance, ease of use and long shelf life.
Trulite has received numerous comments and feedback from the initial set of
Kitty Hawk users related to the performance, design and use of the product. The
input from these initial customers was used to develop the product enhancement
plan for subsequent versions of the Kitty Hawk power system.
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· Utilize Strategic Relationships
Strategic relationships are critical to Trulite for research, product
development and volume manufacturing. As used in this context, these
relationships are transactions with companies to perform specific activities on
Trulite's behalf and for which Trulite does not have or may not want to develop
the competencies to accomplish these activities. In return, Trulite will offer
activities or provide competencies that are not available to the companies. It
is expected that these relationships will be dissolvable at any time and may be
formed for the objective of entering a market or developing a technology.
Trulite expects to seek out relationships with companies for product design and
product development. As the Company enters into volume production, Trulite
intends to seek out strategic relationships for manufacturing, distribution and
logistics.
Trulite currently does not intend to actively pursue markets other than as set
forth herein. However, if opportunities arise through strategic relationships
with companies specializing in non-competitive markets, we expect to carefully
evaluate the opportunity before making a final determination.
· Continuous Technology and Product Innovation
Trulite is committed to continuous technology and product innovation as a means
of achieving and maintaining sustainable competitive advantage. Trulite's
research and product development group in Utah is narrowly focused on new
technology innovation. The group's responsibility is to create a portfolio of
emerging technologies specific to the hydrogen generation and fuel cell space.
The senior management team reviews the portfolio, and those projects which have
the highest likelihood of commercialization will be selected for the research
agenda. Quarterly milestones, as well as performance and test metrics, are
established to determine the viability of commercialization of the technology.
If the test criteria are met, the technology is transferred to the Company's
advanced manufacturing team in Houston, Texas for product development and
optimization.
Once the product is tested and optimized, it is turned over to the manufacturing
team for volume production. The manufacturing team is responsible for continuous
innovation of the product's performance, as well as design for manufacture.
Trulite's goal is to enhance its existing product line every quarter and develop
at least one new product every fiscal year.
· Strong Corporate Culture
Trulite believes a strong corporate culture is the foundation for a successful,
enduring enterprise. There are two principles which have been imbedded in the
culture of the Company since its inception:
- Integrity above reproach: All members of the Trulite team and its strategic
relationships are committed to conducting business in an ethical manner with its
customers, suppliers, partners, employees and the communities in which it
operates. There is zero tolerance for behavior at any level that does not adhere
to this principle.
-Frugality: Both Trulite and its strategic relationships are committed to the
prudent allocation of resources. In every aspect of normal business activities,
resource allocations are carefully weighed before making a decision.
Alternatives are thoroughly discussed to determine if there is a better, more
efficient option. Trulite intends to make investments in technology and people
in order to retain and enhance its competitive position and return a fair profit
to its stakeholders.
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Intellectual Property
We have filed two patent applications for the HydroCell, and we make every
effort to protect our knowledge of our processes and procedures.
Competition
Trulite has two products: the HydroCell, a hydrogen generation and storage
product, and the Kitty Hawk power system, a commercially packaged, integrated,
hydrogen fuel cell power system. Trulite's Kitty Hawk power system is an
integrated system consisting of the HydroCell hydrogen generation and storage
product; the fuel cell which converts hydrogen into electricity; and the control
technology, which controls the flow of hydrogen to the fuel cell.
Trulite believes its HydroCell technology to be unique and offers significant
advantages over hydrogen generation technology offered by its competitors. The
HydroCell is a lightweight, compact fuel cell system that, to the Company's
knowledge, when combined with water recycling, produces more hydrogen for its
size and weight than any other hydrogen source currently available on the
market.
Our primary competition for hydrogen generation technology is Millennium Cell,
Inc. (MCEL). MCEL, a development stage company, develops hydrogen batteries
comprised of a fuel cell and hydrogen storage technology for use in portable
electronic devices for the military, medical, industrial, and consumer markets.
MCEL utilizes a "wet" sodium hydride technology for the generation of hydrogen.
The fuel blends used in the hydrogen battery technology are comprised of a
combination of water, sodium borohydride, and other chemicals. As compared to
MCEL's wet hydride technology, the HydroCell does not lose energy density during
long periods of storage (up to three years). We believe there are technical
limitations with respect to weight and shelf life that limit MCEL's ability to
achieve higher levels of energy density.
Although there are a number of competitors that provide fuel cell technologies,
these competitors do not offer a single vendor, integrated solution consisting
of the hydrogen source, the control technology and the fuel cell. We believe
Trulite's HydroCell and the Kitty Hawk integrated power system products have
created a business model that gives Trulite a competitive advantage. We believe
our business model affords us the opportunity to sell the Kitty Hawk integrated
unit in line with the price point of competing fuel cell products.
Employees
Trulite currently has 12 full time employees, 11 of who are involved in research
and development. The 12th employee is involved with the financial affairs of
Trulite.
Stock Option Plan
The Company's Board of Directors adopted the Trulite, Inc. Stock Option Plan
(the "Plan") on April 11, 2005. In April 2005, the Company granted options to
Randolph House, Evan Hughes, Jerry Metz and John Sifonis. Options were granted
again in July 2005 to Howard, Paul and Stephen Anderson, Chris Brydon and Jim
Longaker. In October 2005, options were granted to Randolph House, Evan Hughes,
Tom Samson, Jerry Metz and John Sifonis. In January 2006, options were granted
to Jenny Ligums. Lastly, in April 2006, options were granted to Chris Brydon,
CCP, Evan Hughes, Eric Ladd, Jim Longaker, John Patton and Kevin Shurtleff. All
of the options were pursuant to the Plan. In May 2006, options to purchase
20,000 shares of Common Stock were granted to Bill Flores, Richard Hoesterey,
John Berger, Eric Melvin and John Sifonis. Of these options, 1,647,031 have an
exercise price of $.88 per share. The remaining 100,000 have an exercise price
of $1.00 per share. All options granted under the Plan vest, so long as the
employee remains employed by the Company, within four years of the grant,
according to a vesting schedule contained therein. The options granted under the
Plan may not be exercised more than seven years after the date of the grant.
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The Plan is to be administered by the Board of Directors and consists of up to
3,110,805 shares of Common Stock which may be granted in the form of options to
employees, directors, consultants and advisors to the Company. The number of
options, option price, vesting and exercise schedules and the duration of all
options shall all be determined by the Board of Directors at the time of grant;
provided, however, that the option price of any options granted under the Plan
shall be not less than fair market value at the time of grant. Incentive stock
options expire no later than seven years after the date of grant.
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