On January 19, General Motors (GM) announced the application of its HYDROTEC fuel cell technology to a new commercial field. The HYDROTEC project, which is currently under development, is mainly used in the heavy-duty truck, aerospace and locomotive sectors, but GM plans to use it for power generation.
(Image source: GM)
GM plans to use multiple HYDROTEC-based generators, all powered by GM's 2nd Generation HYDROTEC Fuel Cell Power Cube, including: Mobile Generators (MPG), which provide fast charging capabilities for electric vehicles without the need to install permanent charging points; EMPOWER fast chargers, which help retail gas stations increase economical DC fast charging without expanding the grid; and Pallet MPG, which quietly and efficiently power barracks and facilities.
These fuel cell generators could eventually replace gas and diesel generators in workplaces, buildings, movie sets, data centers, outdoor concerts, and festivals, but with fewer emissions. Not only that, but such generators can also be used as backup power for residential and small commercial enterprises in the event of a power outage, or temporarily replace the grid to supply power.
Each HYDROTEC-based generator has only zero emissions, with power ranging from 60 kW to 600 kW, low noise and thermal characteristics.
Charlie Freese, executive director of GM's global HYDROTEC business, said: "We believe that the future of pure electric is not limited to passenger cars, but will also be applied to transportation. With our expertise in energy platforms for Ultium automotive architectures and propulsion components and HYDROTEC fuel cells, we will enable different industries and users to have more opportunities to use pure electric vehicles, thereby reducing emissions associated with power generation. ”
Mobile generator
GM will supply the HYDROTEC fuel cell power cube to Renewable Innovations in Lyndon, Utah, to make mobile generators. GM will combine its fuel cell hardware and software with Renewable Innovations' power integration and management system to create a generator that can provide fast charging capabilities for electric vehicles, so there is no need to expand the grid in areas where electricity is temporarily needed, or install permanent charging equipment.
Several MPG-related development projects are already underway, including demonstrating the technology as a mobile charging station for electric vehicles. The project was funded in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Army Combat Capability Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center) This version of MPG is expected to be shown for the first time in mid-2022.
The California Energy Commission will fund a separate demonstration program of four additional MPG through its Mobile Renewable Backup Generation Systems program to demonstrate how hydrogen-based mobile generators can offset energy losses during planned power outages across California to reduce wildfires.
Retail electric vehicle charging stations
In addition to mobile EV charging, GM and Renewable Innovations have also collaborated to develop the EMPOWER fast charger. The future will make retail gas stations economical dc fast charging capabilities, empower fast chargers will help deploy the necessary fast charging without the need for significant investment in unrecoverable electrical infrastructure upgrades, such as larger feeders, transformers and potential new substations.
The EMPOWER fast charger can be installed at existing gas stations, or in corridors frequented by travelers, such as near national parks or resorts.
Powered by 8 universal HYDROTEC power cubes, the EMPOWER fast charger consumes hydrogen from the internal storage tank and can be DC fast charged to four cars simultaneously starting at 150 kW, with an estimated target full charge time of 20 minutes. The EMPOWER fast charger can charge more than 100 electric vehicles before replenishing the unit with hydrogen.
Renewable Innovations plans to deploy 500 EMPOWER fast chargers across the United States by the end of 2025.
Pallet mobile power generation system
GM will design a separate, tray-based version of MPG and work with GM Defense to provide defense and other customers with this version and EV solutions, such as the U.S. Army Combat Capability Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), which is currently evaluating the technology. GVSC is also exploring how this version of MPG powers heavy military equipment and camps. The prototype is the size of a 60 kW generator and generates nearly 70% more electricity than conventional diesel generators. Other models of MPG also include features that diesel generators don't normally have, such as battery backup and output regulation.
Powered by the HYDROTEC power supply cube, the MPG prototype converts the large amounts of hydrogen stored outside the vehicle into emission-free electricity in operation. It produces less noise than a full-load conventional diesel engine, and the discharged water is immediately collected and reused.
In its joint venture with Honda for fuel cell system manufacturing in Brownstown, Michigan, GM will produce HYDROTEC fuel cell systems from global components. Renewable Innovations will produce trailer-based MPG and a larger modular EMPOWER fast charger at its plant in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.