ElringKlinger and zepp.solutions Collaborating on Fuel Cell Power in Logistic Centers and Ports

• ElringKlinger AG will supply a total of three fuel cell stacks to be incorporated into various applications by system integrator zepp.solutions
• Realized prototype in a Terberg terminal tractor used for container and material handling in ports and logistics centers as well as planned use in water taxi at Port of Rotterdam
• More far-reaching collaboration covering supply of additional fuel cell stacks currently under negotiation

Fuel cells provide the basis for emission-free propulsion in various fields of application. In those cases in which the requisite hydrogen is produced by wind, solar, or water power, the drive system that relies on such fuel cell technology can be considered completely climate-neutral. In this context, ElringKlinger AG has supplied three fuel cell stacks to Dutch system integrator zepp.solutions B.V. The high power density of ElringKlinger’s fuel cell stacks proved a key factor with regard to the selection process and the potential areas of use. On the basis of these stacks, zepp.solutions is capable of developing an extremely compact and highly efficient fuel cell system for various heavy-duty applications.

The first stack supplied by ElringKlinger includes 260 cells and was tested and configured by zepp.solutions on a rig for the purpose of integrating it into fuel cell systems. As a next step, a passive hydrogen recirculation unit was also supplied by the company. Working on this basis, zepp.solutions then fitted its fuel cell system – including ElringKlinger’s stack and recirculation unit – to a demonstration vehicle developed by the Dutch manufacturer Terberg Special Vehicles; it is used in a terminal tractor for container and material handling in ports and logistics centers.

A second ElringKlinger stack is to be used in the same area of application following the completion of tests by zepp.solutions with regard to downstream system integration. It, too, is to be deployed in a Terberg terminal tractor used for container and material handling in ports and logistics centers. Additionally, ElringKlinger has provided zepp.solutions with a fuel cell stack with 300 cells, including hydrogen recirculation unit. Subsequent to testing, this unit is to be fitted to a water taxi operated in the port of Rotterdam.

The two parties to the contract are looking to pursue their collaborative efforts based on their accomplishments to date and are currently engaged in negotiations with regard to additional fuel cell stacks of a new generation, which are to be supplied to zepp.solutions in the coming years for subsequent integration into fuel cell systems.

Fuel cell technology

The compact stacks are based on proton-exchange membrane (PEM) technology and convert chemical into electrical energy using hydrogen and oxygen.

Fuel cell stacks are suitable above all for mobile applications with a long-range and cyclical operation. Apart from vehicles such as buses and cars, PEMFC stacks can also be used for mobile industrial applications, e.g., in commercial vehicles and forklift trucks. In addition, the hydrogen-based propulsion unit is also suitable for trains, ships, or aircraft.

For more information contact:

ElringKlinger AG   |   Strategic Communications

Dr. Jens Winter

Max-Eyth-Straße 2   |   D-72581 Dettingen/Erms

+49 7123 724-88335   |   [email protected]

zepp.solutions   |   Co-founder

Jonas Brendelberger

Paardenmarkt 1   |   2611PA Delft

+31 (0)15 203 0044   |   j.[email protected]

More info about the hydrogen-powered Terberg Yard Tractor discussed in the article will be released soon. For press-inquiries about this project, contact Jonas Brendelberger (above).

 

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