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Kohler Power Systems, a division of Kohler Energy, has announced a collaboration with Toyota Motor North America to introduce a hydrogen fuel-cell power-generation system at the Klickitat Valley Health Hospital in Goldendale, Washington. This collaboration could enable a significant advancement in sustainable technology aimed at revolutionizing power generation while prioritizing environmental stewardship.
The newly developed fuel-cell power system merges Kohler’s expertise in energy management with Toyota’s renowned fuel-cell technology, resulting in the creation of the “Kohler Fuel Cell System.” By integrating Kohler’s power-generation control platform with Toyota’s fuel-cell module, this collaboration represents a scalable solution for zero-emissions power generation, capable of meeting diverse customer needs across various applications, such as prime power, peak shaving and emergency situations.
The collaboration not only underscores the viability of hydrogen as a clean fuel source but also highlights the versatility of fuel-cell technology beyond traditional transportation applications.
In an interview with Power Electronics News, Ben Crawford, business developer at Kohler, and Richard Ferguson, new markets manager of business development for fuel cells at Toyota Motor North America, emphasized this collaboration and Toyota’s expertise, innovation and commitment to fuel-cell technology and sustainability. According to Kohler, Toyota’s proven track record in developing scalable fuel-cell systems across various applications, from light-duty vehicles to heavy-duty Class 8 trucks to stationary power generation, makes the company an ideal collaborator for the project. This partnership will accelerate the development and deployment of advanced fuel-cell solutions, leveraging Toyota’s extensive knowledge and experience.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen fuel-cell technology is poised to revolutionize the landscape of clean energy and decarbonization efforts across various sectors, including healthcare and numerous industries. According to Kohler and Toyota, within healthcare facilities, hydrogen fuel cells offer a reliable and sustainable power source, ensuring uninterrupted operations while reducing carbon emissions. Similarly, in industries like water treatment, data centers, manufacturing plants and ports, fuel cells are increasingly being adopted to meet decarbonization goals and enhance operational efficiency.
The versatility of hydrogen fuel cells extends to applications like grid-connected shore power for vessels, distributed energy resources in transmission networks and providing flexible power for electric-vehicle charging infrastructure. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and decarbonization, hydrogen fuel-cell technology is set to play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future across diverse sectors, ensuring both environmental protection and operational resilience.
By utilizing hydrogen produced with renewable energy sources, it offers zero emissions at the point of use, making it an environmentally sustainable choice for power generation. This aligns with the global shift toward clean energy solutions and contributes to mitigating climate change.
Toyota fuel-cell module
A single, small fuel-cell module has been created by Toyota by combining many parts from a second-generation Toyota Mirai passenger-car fuel-cell system, in response to the growing need for clean power production across the board. The fuel-cell stack is scaled to meet the needs of the Kohler system and fits into a newly designed module, together with the components that produce electricity (gaseous hydrogen fuel and oxygen-containing air), cool the system and manage on-board power. Applications for the module in power plants are numerous and may be readily expanded and incorporated.
Toyota has endeavored to promote the establishment of a hydrogen society with an emphasis on clean transportation and has more than 30 years of expertise in the field of fuel-cell technology. Toyota has previously worked with partners to expand the technology to produce bigger powertrain kits for items like heavy-duty Class 8 trucks. Toyota has also created and sold the hydrogen-powered Mirai fuel-cell EV since 2015. Because fuel-cell systems are scalable and easy to use, they may be readily adapted to a wide range of industries and applications.
Kohler controls and Toyota fuel-cell module
A controller built and engineered by Kohler, which has decades of experience in energy systems, will constantly monitor and adjust operational conditions to maximize the Toyota fuel cell’s dependability, versatility and performance while safeguarding it from harm.
The selection of Klickitat Valley Health as the inaugural site for the installation of the Kohler Fuel Cell System is a testament to the system’s reliability and capability to support critical infrastructure. As the principal medical center serving a significant population in the district, the hospital’s decision to integrate hydrogen fuel-cell technology into its electrical infrastructure underscores the importance of resilient and sustainable power solutions in healthcare facilities.
The launch of the Kohler Fuel Cell System represents a significant milestone in Kohler’s sustainability journey. Aligning with the company’s mission to reduce its environmental footprint and develop environmentally friendly products, the introduction of this innovative power-generation solution reinforces Kohler’s commitment to sustainability across its operations.
According to Kohler and Toyota, this application will be deployed for grid-following and emergency backup applications while exporting excess power to the grid through a net metering program.
“The hospital wanted a modular and scalable container-based design with fully integrated controls,” Crawford said. “Kohler will supply the fuel-cell system as a fully optimized end-to-end solution, taking one-source responsibility for manufacturing and integrating the generating system and accessories, including electrical architecture, exhaust, cooling and fuel inlet system. We are working with a local energy service company to oversee installation and commissioning and provide a full range of after-services. In terms of benefits and outcomes for the hospital and surrounding community, the fuel cell will deliver a reliable and sustainable power source with near-silent operation and no emissions at the point of use [see above regarding electrolyzer/renewable fuel source].”
According to Toyota, the modular and scalable Kohler hydrogen fuel-cell system allows mission-critical power users to rapidly deploy a sustainable energy solution. Depending on the application, the system can be used as a prime or backup power source or as part of a distributed energy network.
“The fuel-cell system has a power output from 100 kW to multiple megawatts and can be customized to specific needs,” Ferguson said. “The solution features a Toyota polymer electrolyte membrane [PEM] fuel cell for high-efficiency energy conversion and is supplied as an optimized unit with a compact, durable steel housing. The system can operate in a range of temperatures, from –30°C to 45°C, and has a low-maintenance, 20-year design life. We believe it is a best-in-class fuel-cell system with excellent efficiency and scalability. Regarding environmental impact, it can turn hydrogen made with renewable energy into sustainable power—with no compromise on performance—with zero emissions at the point of use [if using renewable hydrogen, it would be zero emissions throughout the lifespan].”
As global interest in renewable energy solutions continues to rise, the market adoption and commercial viability of the Kohler Fuel Cell System are anticipated to grow steadily, particularly in regions with diverse energy needs and regulatory landscapes. The introduction of hydrogen fuel-cell systems marks an expansion of our clean energy portfolio, offering all customers additional sustainable options while continuing to support existing technologies. These alternatives represent the most effective means of delivering reliable and sustainable power to regions characterized by varied energy needs and regulatory environments.
The post Kohler’s Hydrogen Fuel-Cell System Powered by Toyota Technology appeared first on Power Electronics News.
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