GM expands HYDROTEC fuel cell technology

GM accelerated its growth as a platform innovator and announced new commercial applications of its HYDROTEC fuel cell technology.

HYDROTEC projects, which are currently in development, from heavy-duty trucks to aerospace and locomotives, are being planned for use beyond vehicles for power generation.

GM is planning multiple HYDROTEC-based power generators powered by GM’s Generation 2 HYDROTEC fuel cell power cubes. These HYDROTEC-based power generators feature zero-emissions electric power generation output ranging from 60 kW to 600 kW, along with low noise and heat signatures.

GM supplies HYDROTEC fuel cell power cubes to Renewable Innovations of Lindon, Utah, to build the Mobile Power Generator.

Several development projects involving the Mobile Power Generator (MPG) are already in process, including a demonstration of the technology as a mobile charging station for EVs, funded in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center. This version of the MPG is expected first to be demonstrated in mid-2022.

The California Energy Commission is funding a separate demonstration program of four additional MPGs through its Mobile Renewable Backup Generation Systems program to show how hydrogen-based mobile power can help offset energy loss during the planned power shutoffs used to mitigate wildfires throughout the state.

EMPOWER rapid chargers can be installed at existing fuel stations or along corridors frequented by travellers only part of the year, such as near national parks or vacation destinations. The EMPOWER rapid charger, powered by eight GM HYDROTEC power cubes, consumes hydrogen from internal tanks and can DC fast charge as many as four vehicles simultaneously starting at 150 kW with an estimated target full charge time of 20 minutes3. The EMPOWER rapid charger can potentially charge over 100 EVs before the unit would need to be resupplied with hydrogen. Renewable Innovations plans to deploy 500 EMPOWER rapid chargers across the country by the end of 2025.

GM is designing a separate, palletised version of the MPG and, in partnership with GM Defense, will offer this and EV solutions to defence and other customers, such as the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), which is currently evaluating the technology. The prototype is around a 60-kW generator and produces nearly 70% more power than traditional diesel generators. This MPG variant also contains features not typically found on diesel generators, like battery backup and output regulation.