J. Schulte, P. Scott, M. Simon
RockeTruck, Inc.,
United States
Keywords: fuel cell, hydrogen, portable generator, electric power, sustainable
Summary:
RockeTruck has developed a Mobile Fuel Cell Generator (MFCG) that can be easily transported to deliver clean electric power. The need for portable. flexible power generating systems was demonstrated during the wildfires that recently ravaged the Los Angeles region, displacing many residents and leaving them without electric power for extended periods. In addition, mobile power generation supports the electrification needs of remote, off-grid communities and is required to support various military activities. Portable generators are also needed worldwide for routine applications such as providing power at construction sites and outdoor entertainment venues. The MFCG addresses these needs using advanced hydrogen fuel cell, energy storage, and power electronics technologies to deliver clean power with a compact system that maximizes portability and minimizes cost. RockeTruck selected a new automotive fuel cell for the MFCG to take advantage of the latest available technologies and to maximize the benefits of using a fuel cell that will be mass-produced for use in passenger cars. American Honda Motors supplied the fuel cells for the two prototype MFCG systems RockeTruck has developed to date. The generator systems on both MFCG prototypes use lithium-ion batteries to handle fluctuations in power loads and inverters to convert direct current from the fuel cell and battery into alternating current, and are controlled with software RockeTruck developed with the support of AVL Mobility Technologies. The generator system on first prototype is integrated with a large set of composite tanks containing 94 kilograms of compressed hydrogen. The entire assembly is installed onto a 20-foot trailer and can supplying enough power for several homes or a large commercial business for several days without refueling. The second MFCG prototype integrates the generator system with a much smaller hydrogen storage supply – a single tank with a capacity of 4.5 kilograms. This more compact design of this “MFCG Mini” prototype enables the generator system to be transported in the bed of a heavy-duty pickup truck and can supply approximately 10 kilowatts of power for 8 hours with the hydrogen fuel contained in its one tank. To enable the Mini to operate for longer periods, RockeTruck has built a custom hydrogen fuel trailer that can carry 130 kilograms of hydrogen, which can be towed by the pickup truck carrying the MFCG Mini to deliver up to 35 kilowatts of power for at least 48 hours. A series of field demonstrations of the two MFCG prototypes is being conducted throughout Southern California, in collaboration with California State University, Los Angeles and local utilities. RockeTruck is continuing to develop new technologies to improve the performance of the MFCG system and to reduce its size, weight, and cost. One such technology is an advanced power converter using gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors. Financial support development of the MFCG and these technologies is being provided by the California Energy Commission, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), South Coast Air Quality Management District, and Southern California Gas Company.