Mobile Fuel Cell Generator

The Mobile Fuel Cell Generator (MFCG) addresses urgent needs to increase the reliability of electricity delivery, using equitable and inclusive technology solutions that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas production. One specific problem addressed is delivery of electric power during Public Service Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, such as when utilities shut off grid power during periods of high fire risk. The MFCG also addresses other situations where it is impossible or impractical to obtain electricity from the grid, such as in remote areas and at temporary venues such as construction sites or outdoor events. How this problem is being addressed – The overall objective of the Phase I project is to design a Mobile Fuel Cell Generator that is easily transportable and that can deliver electrical power when grid power is unavailable, without using fossil fuels or generating any harmful emissions. The overall project approach is to design an integrated generator system that combines hydrogen fuel cells with lithium batteries to achieve this objective. A secondary project objective is to utilize the MFCG to improve hydrogen fueling resiliency, which will be achieved by performing design work and planning to enable the MFCG to provide backup power for the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility (HRFF) at California State University, Los Angeles (CalStateLA), which will support RockeTruck as a subcontractor. What will be done in Phase I – Phase I work will focus on completing all of the preparations necessary to proceed to assembly and testing of prototype MFCG systems in Phase II. The most critical Phase I tasks will therefore be to develop a detailed design for the MFCG and to complete various planning tasks to guide the subsequent Phase II effort. These planning tasks will include development of a Bill of Material (BOM), assembly procedures, and a Measurement & Verification Plan. Federal funding will supplement California state funding recently committed to the MFCG, and will enable MFCG design upgrades that will increase power output and expand the range of potential MFCG applications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits – Specific commercial applications will include provision of a central power source for members of a community to plug in essential devices such as cell phones or oxygen generators during a power outage and delivery of backup power for essential facilities during grid power outages, such as hospitals and data centers. The mobility of the MFCG will enable commercial users to obtain the use of such generators on relatively short notice, eliminating the need to maintain permanently-installed backup power sources year-round. The clean and quiet operation of the MFCG will make it particularly attractive and socially beneficial for use at large public gatherings such as outdoor concerts, arts festivals, and sporting events that are not performed at grid-connected arenas or other venues.