Revolutionizing Data Center Sustainability: Vertiv and Ballard's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Integration
Key Ideas
- Vertiv collaborates with Ballard to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell solutions for data center power backup and microgrids, showcasing a proof-of-concept technology in Delaware, Ohio.
- The Power Module H2 solution offers zero GHG emissions backup power generation, competing with diesel generators while addressing the increasing energy demands of data centers.
- The technology integration combines Ballard PEM fuel cells, Vertiv HPL Li-on batteries, a Liebert UPS system, energy management controller, cooling sub-system, power conditioning equipment, and hydrogen storage in a single container.
- The collaboration aligns with the trend towards on-site power generation and microgrids, highlighting the importance of managing energy demand and usage in the data center industry for achieving net-zero targets.
Vertiv and Ballard have joined forces to showcase the practicality and feasibility of hydrogen fuel cell solutions for data centers. The collaboration resulted in a Power Module H2 solution, integrating Ballard PEM fuel cells with Vertiv's UPS systems, Li-on batteries, and energy management controller. Installed at Vertiv's facility in Delaware, Ohio, the technology aims to provide zero GHG emissions backup power generation for data centers, directly competing with traditional diesel generators. This initiative supports the industry's increasing energy demands and sustainability goals, offering a prefabricated and factory-tested solution that can be customized to meet customer needs. The strategic partnership between Vertiv and Ballard addresses the rising power demand in data centers globally and emphasizes the importance of managing electricity consumption and reducing carbon footprints. The integration of hydrogen fuel cells and battery-based storage systems, along with energy management hardware and software, signals a step towards more sustainable energy practices in the industry. By demonstrating a viable alternative to diesel backup power generation, the companies are showcasing advantages such as single-supplied complex power infrastructure, low maintenance, extended backup duration, and scalability for multi-MW applications. This technological advancement not only aids data centers in meeting their sustainability goals but also positions Vertiv and Ballard as leaders in environmental responsibility. The collaboration sets a timely example for the industry, showcasing ways to advance resource management and plan for future upgrades in a sustainable manner.