Ballard Power Systems, a leading fuel cell supplier, has introduced its newest high-performance module for heavy-duty vehicles, the FCmove®-XD fuel cell engine. This new engine offers class-leading power density and will be making its European debut at the IAA Transportation 2024 event in Hannover, Germany from September 16-22, 2024.
With nine generations of fuel cell development, the compact design of the FCmove®-XD module offers the highest volumetric power density in the industry for heavy-duty applications. Its open architecture design approach makes it the smallest and lightest fuel cell in its power range. Dave Mucciacciaro, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Ballard, explains that the truck market has demanding power and performance requirements due to high vehicle utilisation rates and payload requirements. However, with its scalability and modularity, the FCmove®-XD can efficiently integrate 120kW, 240kW, and 360kW solutions to meet the specific needs of different truck classes and duty cycles.
The FCmove®-XD fuel cell engine features an engine volumetric power density of 0.36 kW/L and gravimetric power density of 0.48 kW/kg, making it the most powerful and compact option for heavy-duty applications. Its scalable 120kW module can easily integrate with up to three modules to deliver a combined 360kW of zero-emission power output. With a design life of over 30,000 hours or one million miles in typical truck operation, the FCmove®-XD is built for durability and low total cost of ownership, with a long driving range of 800km depending on onboard hydrogen storage capacity.
The open architecture design and other new advancements have resulted in several performance improvements for the FCmove®-XD, including a 33% reduction in total parts count for improved reliability and cost reduction, a high peak system efficiency of over 60% for improved fuel consumption and efficient heat rejection, and a wide operating temperature range of up to 95°C. It also has an integrated power controller with a DC/DC converter, air compressor inverter, and power distribution unit, allowing for improved engine operation and efficiency. Its rapid up and down transient times and hot stand-by mode for rapid power increase make it an efficient and reliable option for heavy-duty vehicles. The FCmove®-XD also complies with all applicable safety codes and standards.
According to Mucciacciaro, the FCmove®-XD is developed to strengthen the economic value proposition for heavy-duty mobility customers. With its ninth generation of fuel cell modules, Ballard is committed to delivering competitive CAPEX and total cost of ownership values across heavy-duty truck segments.
Ballard Power Systems’ vision is to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. Its zero-emission PEM fuel cells are making electrification of mobility possible for buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, and stationary power. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.