Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, and proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell market leader, Ballard Power Systems, have entered into a strategic technology partnership with a focus on back-up power applications for data centers and critical infrastructure, scalable from 200kW to multiple megawatts.
The 400kW fuel cell system integrated into Vertiv’s Power Module H2 solution is part of the 1MW Vertiv Customer Experience Center microgridincluding a 1MW AC Solar photovoltaic (PV) array and Vertiv™ DynaFlexBattery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Based on industry-ready components, Vertiv’s Power Module H2 – demonstrated at their Delaware, Ohio facility – integrates two Ballard PowerGen® 200kW fuel cell cabinets, which power the fully functional decarbonized back-up system. The solution encompasses a complete cooling sub-system, power conditioning equipment and hydrogen storage infrastructure integrated with Vertiv™ HPL Lithium-Ion batteries, Liebert® EXL S1 UPS system, and the Vertiv™ DynaFlex Energy Management Controller.
PEM fuel cells provide a reliable alternative to stand-by diesel generators with low maintenance, rapid ramp-up to full power, limited foot-print, high cyclability and competitive total cost of ownership when compared to other zero-emission solutions.
The hydrogen fuel cell power generator can operate as a stand-by or primary generator. An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system powered by fuel cells and a grid-interactive controller can connect and disconnect from the grid as needed. When used as a back-up microgrid, it can reduce vulnerability caused by utility outages by using several connected distributed energy storage resources.
Photo of Ballard
Press release https://shorturl.at/Wy24b
