With over decades of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell product innovation, Ballard Power Systems formed a partnership with Audi to set another power density milestone by launching FCgen-HPS.
FCgen-HPS is a high-performance, zero-emission, and PEM fuel cell stack. It also has leading high-power density milestone of 4.3 kilowatts per liter (4.3 kW/L). FCgen-HPS provides propulsion for a range of Light, Medium, and Heavy-Duty vehicles.
Fully designed and developed by Ballard, FCgen-HPS also offers a combination of superb performance metrics, including:
High power output of up to 140kW maximum power level, with scalability to multiple power blocks, and configurable to different power outputs to meet customer requirements.
High operating temperature of up to 95 ˚C that allows for more efficient and smaller cooling systems; and
Rugged -28 ˚C freeze start capability for cold weather with fast power ramp.
“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 yardsticks 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.” said Dr. Kevin Colbow, Ballard CTO.
Randy MacEwen, Ballard CEO noted, “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.”
FCgen-HPS by Ballard
Currently, Ballard has the usage rights of the FCgen-HPS for a range of applications, including bus, rail, marine, mining, construction and aerospace vehicles, along with stationary power applications.
By signing a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Audi, it enables Ballard to have broader rights to use the FCgen-HPS in all applications such as commercial trucks and passenger cars.
