Green Car Congress - CTE to lead battery-free fuel cell bus project
The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) has launched a battery-free Fuel Cell Dominant Proof of Concept project under the FTA-sponsored Transit Vehicle Innovation Deployment Centers (TVIDC) program. This initiative, featuring fuel cell technology patented by Nimbus Power Systems, aims to transform zero-emission public transit by introducing a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system to the transit bus market.
Unlike existing transit fuel cell power systems, Nimbus’ patented technology will demonstrate load-following capabilities similar to a diesel powertrain. With the fuel cell acting as a constant power source, current transit fuel cell propulsion systems require a relatively large battery system to cover the necessary variations in power demand. This load-following fuel cell dominant propulsion system will eliminate the need for traditional Lithium-Ion battery packs and DC-DC converters, utilizing ultracapacitors instead.
Removing the battery packs is expected to reduce the propulsion system’s weight and volume by more than 50% and lead to a cost reduction of approximately 45% relative to existing technologies. CTE will lead this initiative in partnership with Nimbus Power Systems, New Flyer, and AC Transit.
