Fuel cell forklift applications

Elgowainy, A., L. Gaines, and M. Wang. 2009. Fuel-cycle analysis of early market applications of fuel cells Forklift propulsion systems and distributed power generation. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 34 3557-3570. 

One of the applications for hydrogen is for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. As mentioned earlier, one application is a hydrogen fuelled hybrid fuel cell / ultra-capacitor transit bus program where significant energy efficiencies can be demonstrated. Another commercial application is for fuel cell powered forklifts and other such fleet applications that requires mobile electrical power with the additional environmental benefits this system provides. Other commercial applications being developed by Canadian industry is for remote back-up power such as the telecommunications industry and for portable fuel cell systems. 

Mobile applications with a power range between 100 W and 5kW are called light traction applications [51]. Similarly to automotive applications, fuel cells are also very attractive for these special vehicles as they are emission free and offer a very fast recharge [51]. The group of light traction applications includes scooters, forklift trucks, and commercial vehicles. The following technical overview gives some examples. 

Fuel-cell hybrid systems are also very attractive for material handling applications as a replacement for batteries in electric-powered forklift trucks. The classification of forklift trucks is shown in Figure 36.19 and can be divided into three classes [74] ... 

The DOE funds a small number of large CHP demonstrations through its Technology Validation program, and has also funded the deployment of over 200 smaller fuel cells between 2009 and 2010 for applications including forklifts... 

Lastly, it seems appropriate that at this stage fuel cell systems should be developed for large niche markets that are appropriate for the current state technical readiness of the technology. Forklift applications are a prime example of matching requirements versus capability. Large stationary fuel cells that are designed for constant base loads with high combined heat and power utilization requirements is another. 

PEMFCs are by far and away the best known of the fuel cell stack types. Though focused research on PEM fuel cells only started intensively in the 1990s at Ballard (Canada), the technology has experienced large leaps forward. Within this, the best known of the PEM-based applications is light-duty FCVs, but there are also increasing numbers of units employed in such diverse areas as forklifts, residential units, laptops, yachts and even robots. (Figure 2.15)... 

Where the intended range of applications does not allow for a platform architecture at the meta-system level, the platform products then need to be defined at the system level. In fact, the concept of a platform-based architecture can be pursued at the component as well as the system level. Ballard, for example, defines its platforms at the stack level. It is currently advertizing five stack platforms. Each stack platform has a different voltage range, reactant pressure (air and fuel), and cell aspect ratio, optimized for the intended application, whether it be for backup (telecommrmications), motive power (forklift trucks), transportation (buses), or residential cogeneration. 

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