Ballard’s FCveloCity module is the company’s 7^th generation fuel cell module designed for transit bus and light rail applications. Designed for scalability, the FCveloCity module is available in various configurations between 30-200kW. Focused on the heavy-duty transportation market, the primary 85 kW net FCveloCity was released in June 2015 and is currently powering buses in multiple customer trials around the world.

The FCveloCity modules feature:

• Standard 5 year, 250,000 mile warranty (for transit applications)

• Integrated humidification system to maximize system performance and durability

• IP55 rated enclosure and freeze protection system guard against premature deterioration of key module components in extreme climates

• Remote diagnostics through direct or wireless connection allows customer to remotely monitor performance data and anticipate preventative maintenance

• Integrated safety system with ventilation fans, H₂ sensors, and smoke detectors built into the module to ensure highest safety and ease of installation

Ballard designed the 30kW FCveloCity-MD module for use in battery-dominant hybrid, heavy-duty motive applications. The hydrogen-fueled power module is sized for smaller transit vehicles, and offers a low risk, versatile and easy installation solution for system integrators, with a design based on many years of transit experience.

FCveloCity-MD includes a separate air-sub systems for simplified and flexible integration into the electric drive system. The air sub-system delivers air at a prescribed flow rate to the fuel cell stack to support the electrochemical reaction. Sub-system includes motor, controller, air compressor and a mass flow sensor.

Ballard, UpPowerTech, Yuanzheng and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of Nanning—the capital city of Guangxi Province in southern China, with an urban area population in excess of 4 million people—recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the fuel cell bus market in the City of Nanning and the Province of Guangxi.

The collaboration contemplates the use of Ballard’s leading fuel cell technology, UpPowerTech’s systems integration expertise, and the support of the Government of Nanning for future production localization plans and the build-out of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

The 10 FCveloCity-MD 30 kW fuel cell power modules are expected to be delivered in 2016, and the fuel cell buses are expected to be deployed in 2017.