News Alert - December 15, 2011

A 2 year project sponsored by the US DOD and CEM (Centre for Electromechanics) hosted by the Defence Logistics Agency (DLA) at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, USA involving Hydrogenics Fuel Cell Power Modules (HyPM HD 8) in two electric operated Utility Vehicles manufactured by Columbia Parcar has been successfully completed.

The vehicles were operated under real world operating conditions with no maintenance issues. In the final project review the Materials Logistics Manager reported that she ... and her "staff were pleased with the vehicles and hates to see them leave". (According to CTE the units are intended to begin a tour of duty at other bases). The review went on to note "They have been extremely reliable... anyone who operates these vehicles will be pleased with their performance... and recomends these vehicles to anybody"

Also quoting from the same report, "The biggest positive attribute of these vehicles was not requiring to refuel as often. The charging of the electric vehicles is inconvenient because of downtime and adaptor issues. Hydrogen provides the flexibility and extended length of time before refueling."

The project manager CTE (Atlanta's Center for Transportation and the Environment) presented the final results at last month's Fuel Cell Seminar in Orlando, Florida. The vehicles achieved an overall fuel economy of 54.9 and 57.5 miles per kg of Hydrogen respectively. The HyPM HD 8 is a rugged compact hydrogen power module designed with ease of integration in mind. For integrators and end users alike, the HD 8 is a perfect fit for electric mobility applications