GM Says Its Fuel Cell Generators Could Enable EV Fast-Charging

[FutureBoy]

GM Says Its Fuel Cell Generators Could Enable EV Fast-Charging
While GM won't use hydrogen fuel cells in passenger cars, the technology has far too many commercial applications to ignore.

Jan 20, 2022 at 7:31am ET
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By: Dan Mihalascu

GM takes hydrogen fuel cell technology seriously and sees it as an important part for future zero-emissions growth in bigger vehicles. But this tech has far more commercial applications, and GM highlights some of them in its latest press release.

The automaker currently has several Hydrotec fuel cell technology projects in development, from heavy-duty trucks to aerospace and locomotives. Beyond those, GM is also planning multiple Hydrotec-based power generators, all powered by its Generation 2 Hydrotec fuel cell power cubes.

Those include a Mobile Power Generator (MPG) that will provide fast-charge capability for EVs without installing permanent charge points, the Empower rapid charger to help retail fuel stations offer affordable DC fast charging without expanding the grid, and a palletized MPG to power military camps and installations quietly and efficiently.

“Our vision of an all-electric future is broader than just passenger vehicles or even transportation. 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.”
Charlie Freese, GM executive director of the global HYDROTEC business

Mobile Power Generator

GM believes these fuel cell generators could ultimately replace gas- and diesel-burning generators, resulting in fewer emissions, while also acting as a backup or temporarily replacement for grid-sourced electricity for residential and small commercial enterprises at times of power disruption.

Each of these Hydrotec-based power generators feature zero-emissions electric power generation output ranging from 60 kilowatts to 600 kilowatts, along with low noise and heat signatures.

GM is supplying Hydrotec fuel cell power cubes to Renewable Innovations of Lindon, Utah, to build the Mobile Power Generator, which will provide fast-charging capability for EVs in places where there’s only a temporary need for power. There are several development projects involving the MPG, including a mobile charging station for EVs.

The projects are funded in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center. This version of the MPG is expected to first be demonstrated in mid-2022.

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

Retail EV Charging Stations

Another application of the Hydrotec fuel cell technology is the Empower rapid charger that will help retail fuel stations add more affordable DC fast-charging capability.

These rapid chargers can be installed at existing fuel stations or along corridors frequented by travelers only part of the year, such as near national parks or vacation destinations. Powered by eight GM Hydrotec power cubes, the Empower rapid charger 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 minutes.

With the tanks full of hydrogen, the rapid charger can potentially charge more than 100 EVs before needing a refill. Renewable Innovations plans to deploy 500 Empower rapid chargers across the country by the end of 2025.

Palletized mobile power generator for military applications

A separate, palletized version of the MPG is being developed by GM in partnership with GM Defense for customers like the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), which is currently evaluating the technology.

GVSC is exploring how the palletized generator can power heavy-duty military equipment and camps. The prototype is equivalent in size to a 60-kW generator and produces nearly 70% more power than traditional diesel generators. It also has advantages not found on diesel generators, such as battery backup and output regulation, not to mention that it generates less noise and only emits water.

GM plans to build Hydrotec fuel cell systems at its Fuel Cell Systems Manufacturing joint venture with Honda in Brownstown, Michigan. The trailer-based MPG and the larger, modular EMPOWER rapid charger will be produced by Renewable Innovations at its facilities in the Salt Lake City metro area.

 

[FutureBoy]

So in a previous thread, there was talk of GM using Hydrotec to power Planes, Trains, and (not automobiles) Boats. Now they want to indirectly power automobiles and the military.

I don't know how the math works on this. But in certain scenarios like areas that are only open seasonally or after local disasters, this might be a good solution. I mentioned in yet another thread about a rumor of GM trying to use hydrogen to power cars. Perhaps this is what the rumor actually pertained to.

Anyway, the world is going in interesting directions. In a sense, it seems like GM is trying too hard to make hydrogen work even if it isn't necessarily the best answer. But kudos for trying I guess. Maybe if your car business goes bankrupt this kind of side project will keep at least a part of the company alive.

 

[Crissa]

The math works out in comparison with batteries, if you can build enough of these faster than batteries.

-Crissa

 

[Newton]

nice! this is much better use case for hydrogen fuel cells.

it could be cool to see these popping up at gas stations where ev chargers r sparse.

but i also wonder how earth friendly these are.

 

[Ogre]

Sneaker net… but for kilowatts.

It could power up to 100 EVs…

Or you could tow it behind your Cybertruck and go wherever TF you want.

When Armageddon comes, these are going to be worth more than gold.

 

[CyberGus]

When Armageddon comes, these are going to be worth more than gold.

You better capture a solar hydrolyzing station, too.

It's not easy to make hydrogen in bulk, but far easier than making gasoline!

 

[Ogre]

You better capture a solar hydrolyzing station, too.

It's not easy to make hydrogen in bulk, but far easier than making gasoline!

This is where their whole proposition breaks down. While this could deliver 100 EV top offs and eliminate the need for a generator, a semi-portable solar array plus a large battery pack is arguably the more resilient solution.

This would supply more power short term, but requires top offs and needs specialized equipment to re-up. All depends on your exact needs.

 

[CyberGus]

This is where their whole proposition breaks down. While this could deliver 100 EV top offs and eliminate the need for a generator, a semi-portable solar array plus a large battery pack is arguably the more resilient solution.

This would supply more power short term, but requires top offs and needs specialized equipment to re-up. All depends on your exact needs.

Exactly. There are use-cases for hydrogen, and this looks like one such case. Much less so for passenger vehicles.

I mean, wind power is great, but I don't need to park my Cybertruck under a windmill lol

 

[WildhavenMI]

Single source power production and grid reliance is a recipe for fragility. Hydrogen, particularly hydrogen created via renewables, is mostly "green" and adds fuel source diversity, which improves resiliance.

Also, hydro works during volcanic/nuclear winter.

 

[CyberGus]

Also, hydro works during volcanic/nuclear winter.

FYI: I love the idea of having my apocalypse-ready Cybertruck, but if the actual apocalypse happens, I'm going down with the ship.

 

[WildhavenMI]

FYI: I love the idea of having my apocalypse-ready Cybertruck, but if the actual apocalypse happens, I'm going down with the ship.

I don't know exactly what it is, but it's like a disease in my head that I have to be constantly making systems more robust and self-sustaining. Constantly searching for points of weakness and failure.

It used to be manageable, but lately I see everything through the lens of " does this work if Yellowstone blows up." I generate a lot of my own power, but it's done via solar. I garden, hunt, fish, and otherwise provide about ~70% of my families food needs, including some mostly self-sustaining composting cycles and I bloom bag a bunch of stuff so I maintain my own seed bank. None of that matters if the big stack blows, so now the neurotic part of my brain has been looking for non-FF solutions to provide power in the event that we have a couple years of ash floating around.

This makes monkey brain happy.

 

[Newton]

I don't know exactly what it is, but it's like a disease in my head that I have to be constantly making systems more robust and self-sustaining. Constantly searching for points of weakness and failure.

It used to be manageable, but lately I see everything through the lens of " does this work if Yellowstone blows up." I generate a lot of my own power, but it's done via solar. I garden, hunt, fish, and otherwise provide about ~70% of my families food needs, including some mostly self-sustaining composting cycles and I bloom bag a bunch of stuff so I maintain my own seed bank. None of that matters if the big stack blows, so now the neurotic part of my brain has been looking for non-FF solutions to provide power in the event that we have a couple years of ash floating around.

This makes monkey brain happy.

psychology... something about lack of control. maybe its a personal thing, or maybe its this crazy state we live in currently.

 

[CyberGus]

I don't know exactly what it is, but it's like a disease in my head that I have to be constantly making systems more robust and self-sustaining. Constantly searching for points of weakness and failure.

It used to be manageable, but lately I see everything through the lens of " does this work if Yellowstone blows up." I generate a lot of my own power, but it's done via solar. I garden, hunt, fish, and otherwise provide about ~70% of my families food needs, including some mostly self-sustaining composting cycles and I bloom bag a bunch of stuff so I maintain my own seed bank. None of that matters if the big stack blows, so now the neurotic part of my brain has been looking for non-FF solutions to provide power in the event that we have a couple years of ash floating around.

This makes monkey brain happy.

Don't get me wrong, I've got a "go-bag" near the front door, but that's to help ride out the storm of a short-term disaster. I put it together during the drought a few years ago. I live of the edge of a large greenspace, which had turned into acres of kindling, and fires popping up were a daily occurrence. If a fire popped up near me, I would have only minutes to escape its path.

But I enjoy civilization, and don't want to live in a world without it.

 

[WildhavenMI]

psychology... something about lack of control. maybe its a personal thing, or maybe its this crazy state we live in currently.

TBH probably. I've always been a bit of a doomsday prepper, but observing human behavior during the last ~3-5 years has added a whole new level of chaos to be ready for.

 

[anionic1]

This is where their whole proposition breaks down. While this could deliver 100 EV top offs and eliminate the need for a generator, a semi-portable solar array plus a large battery pack is arguably the more resilient solution.

This would supply more power short term, but requires top offs and needs specialized equipment to re-up. All depends on your exact needs.

I sort of agree. As far as space is concerned hydrogen is way way more energy dense than lithium ion batteries. Yes there are more complications to the storage and production, but for the purpose that it seems they are looking for this to be used hydrogen is likely a better option. I read lithium ion is about 0.3 MJ/kg and hydrogen is 120 MJ/kg. We are talking about orders of magnitude more energy dense. Solar and batteries would definitely be more limited to how many vehicles and how fast. Hydrogen would be the better option for numerous quick draws of energy. Solar and batteries would be lower maintenance and refill but would be more limited on the qty of charges, size of the solar array and battery and be much more limited on the number of vehicles and consecutive charges as the batteries would need to replenish which would depend on the size of the solar array and you need a lot of solar to make a dent in electric vehicle charging. Lets say an average typical EV is a 80kWh, which is half of what a level 3 charger can produce per hour. So you would need a 80kWh solar array at least to charge 1 vehicle an hour. Thats a 200 solar panel array. Thats almost 5,000 sf of space. Hydrogen can hold the same amount of energy that 80 kWh solar array would produce per hour in just more than a 2 liter bottle in volume.

It really is surprising how low lithium ion batteries energy density is compared to other fuel sources like gas or hydrogen.