Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - February 2022 - 10

TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS
POWER GENERATION | ELECTRIFICATION
GM announces Hydrotec fuel-cell power generator and rapid charger for EVs
General Motors has announced the expansion of commercial
applications for its Hydrotec hydrogen fuel cells with an integrated
DC rapid charger. The company is currently developing
units intended for applications such as heavy-duty trucks,
aerospace and locomotives, but it is now broadening the intended
use to include stationary power generation.
GM's Hydrotec-based power generators will be powered by
the company's generation-two fuel cell power cubes. GM is
supplying Hydrotec power cubes to Renewable Innovations
of Lindon, Utah, who will manage the assembly of the mobile
power generators.
In addition to mobile EV charging, GM and Renewable
Innovations have collaborated to develop the Empower rapid
charger. This charger is intended for existing fuel stations
seeking the ability to add DC fast-charging capability. GM
states the Empower rapid charger will help satisfy the growing
need for fast-charging infrastructure with no additional
investment in electrical infrastructure upgrades.
The rapid charger is powered by eight GM Hydrotec power
cubes and can supply a DC charge for up to four vehicles simultaneously
at a rate of 150 kW. The estimated target for a
full charge time of an EV via these units is 20 minutes. GM
claims up to 100 or more EVs can be replenished by the rapid
charger before the unit would need to be resupplied with hydrogen.
Renewable Innovations plans to deploy 500 Empower
rapid chargers across the U.S. by the end of 2025.
" Our vision of an all-electric future is broader than just passenger
vehicles or even transportation, " said Charlie Freese,
GM's mobile power generator can fast-charge EVs without having to
expand the grid or install permanent charge points in locations where
there is only a temporary need for power.
GM executive director of the global Hydrotec business. " Our
energy platform expertise with Ultium vehicle architectures
and propulsion components and Hydrotec fuel cells can expand
access to energy across many different industries and
users, while helping to reduce emissions often associated with
power generation. "
According to GM, these hydrogen fuel-cell generators could
replace gas- and diesel-burning units commonly used at construction
sites, data centers and outdoor events. GM also
claims they could serve as an emergency power source for
residential houses and lower demand commercial needs. The
mobile power generator can also be palletized for use in military
applications. The power output of these units ranges
from 60-600 kW, and they do not generate excessive levels
of heat or noise. Pricing details for these units have not yet
been announced.
There are currently several validation and development
projects planned for the Hydrotec mobile power generator,
including a charging station for EVs being funded by the
Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the U.S.
Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground
Vehicle Systems Center. The target launch date for this charging
station is mid-2022. The California Energy Commission is
also funding a demonstration utilizing four mobile power generators
to study the use of hydrogen-based mobile power to
offset the loss of energy during the planned power shutoffs.
" We've seen that there's a need for EV charging in places
GM's prototype palletized mobile power generator converts offboard, bulkstored
hydrogen to electricity to power military camps and installations.
10 February 2022
where there's no charging equipment, " said Robert Mount,
CEO and co-founder of Renewable Innovations. " Now we're
committed to bringing the best technology and game-changing
applications to market with GM to accelerate the company's
vision of a zero-emissions future. "
Matt Wolfe
TRUCK & OFF-HIGHWAY ENGINEERING
FROM TOP: GENERAL MOTORS; STEVE FECHT FOR GENERAL MOTORS
Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - February 2022

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