Clean Hydrogen Fuel Cell Forklifts Complete First Year of Successful Operation at DDJC
CTE Team demonstrates efficient zero emission material handling equipment on military base in Tracy, California
Tracy, CA - The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) project team has successfully completed its first full year of operations of hydrogen powered forklifts and associated fueling station equipment at Defense Depot San Joaquin (DDJC) in Tracy, California. The project involves generating hydrogen through electrolysis on site and using it to fuel 20 fuel cell forklifts that are deployed in daily depot activities.
The goal of the demonstration is to extend the knowledge and readiness levels of fuel cell powered vehicles and the hydrogen infrastructure necessary to fuel them. This clean energy project is sponsored by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), who will analyze the collected data to test the viability of using fuel cells in fleets of material handling equipment at this and other support installations.
This demonstration includes a unique mix of emerging technologies from developers with a proven ability to commercialize them. Plug Power, Inc. designed and built the 20 GenDrive® hydrogen fuel cells used to power the forklifts. Air Products is providing hydrogen compression, storage, and dispensing equipment and associated support. Proton OnSite® provided the hydrogen generation system and support, enabling the base to produce a reliable stream of hydrogen using just electricity and water. Pap Material Handling is providing routine fuel cell forklift support under contract to Plug Power. The pilot period began on December 1, 2011, and is expected to run for 24 months while the team collects and analyzes operations and fueling data.
"Thanks to the excellent products and support of our team members, the fuel cells and hydrogen infrastructure has proven to be extremely reliable in consistent use over the first year of the demonstration. We have proven a high level of commercial readiness for the technology," said Jason Hanlin, Project Manager at CTE. "We look forward to continued success for the duration of the demonstration period."
About CTE:
The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization based in Atlanta, Georgia that develops technologies and implements solutions to achieve energy and environmental sustainability. Since its founding in 1993, CTE has managed a portfolio of more than $250 million in federal, state, and local cost--- shared research, development, and demonstration projects involving more than 200 organizations in the advanced transportation technology field. CTE has facilitated and leveraged funding for its projects and initiatives from the U.S. Departments of Defense, Energy, Interior, and Transportation, as well as from the U.S. Army and NASA, among many others.
About Air Products:
Air Products (NYSE:APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. More than 20,000 employees in over 50 countries supply innovative solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2012, Air Products had sales approaching $10 billion. For more information, visit https://www.airproducts.com/