Ballard Power Systems announced the launch of its FCgen®-HPS product, a high-performance, zero-emission, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack, to provide propulsion for a range of Light-, Medium- and Heavy-Duty vehicles in an industry-leading volumetric high-power density of 4.3 kilowatts per liter (4.3 kW/L).
The FCgen®-HPS was fully designed and developed by Ballard to stringent automotive standards in the company’s Technology Solutions program with Audi AG. Ballard currently holds the right to use the FCgen®-HPS for a variety of applications, including bus, rail, marine, mining, construction and aerospace vehicles, along with stationary power applications.
Ballard also signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Audi to expand its right to use the FCgen®-HPS in all applications, including commercial trucks and passenger cars.
In addition to its leading high-power density, the FCgen®-HPS delivers a combination of impressive performance metrics, including:
– High power output: up to 140kW maximum power level, with scalability to multiple power blocks;
– High operating temperature: up to 95oC maximum operating temperature, which allows for more efficient and smaller cooling systems; and
– Rugged cold weather capabilities: -28oC freeze start capability with fast power ramp.
Randy MacEwen, Ballard CEO said, “While governments across the planet are increasingly declaring green hydrogen to play a major role in the path towards net zero carbon, there is also a growing recognition that zero-emission fuel cell systems are well suited to decarbonize a range of motive applications that have historically been difficult to abate. This is true for buses, commercial trucks, trains, and marine vessels where there is a requirement for heavy payload, extended range and rapid refueling. These use cases typically feature return-to-base depot refueling, which reduces the challenge of scaling hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The FCgen®-HPS adds an important high-power density fuel cell stack to Ballard’s current product line-up, supporting our efforts to penetrate these large addressable markets, while also improving our long-term positioning for future motive applications, including passenger cars and urban air mobility.”
Dr. Kevin Colbow, Ballard CTO noted, “The FCgen®-HPS delivers significant value through advancements made by Ballard in membrane electrode assemblies, or MEAs, and carbon bipolar plates. While the FCgen®-HPS establishes a new industry standard for power density, we continue to move the yard sticks at Ballard on stack design, with continuous improvements on power density, durability, operating parameters, freeze start capabilities, efficiency and total lifecycle costs. At Ballard, we believe we have industry-leading talent to design PEM fuel cell stacks and systems that offer best performance and value for our target markets.”
Ballard and Audi expect to sign definitive agreements in 2020 formalizing the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding referenced above.
