Loop introduces new 120kW fuel cell system; 60% net system efficiency, much earlier fuel-cost parity with diesel
21 September 2022
Loop Energy, a designer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cells for commercial mobility, unveiled its new 120 kW fuel cell system at IAA Transportation 2022. Loop Energy said that this new product can achieve fuel-cost parity with diesel by up to eight years earlier than previously possible.
The 120 kW fuel cell system, the S1200, builds on Loop Energy’s existing technology to provide an additional efficiency gain of 20% when it generates electricity. The S1200 is designed to deliver up to 60% in net system efficiency. (Net system efficiency includes power consumption of the air compressor, coolant pump, and other system components; the gross design efficiency of the underlying Loop fuel cell stack is up to 65%).
This efficiency enables an electric vehicle powered by a Loop Energy fuel cell to deliver up to 54% fuel-to-wheel efficiency compared to the typical fuel-to-wheel efficiency delivered by a diesel-engine-powered vehicle of 20% to 25%.
Loop Energy believes the S1200 and its next-generation technology will significantly benefit commercial vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators and associated industries, as well as the global clean energy transition as governments seek to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Loop Energy has achieved this efficiency gain because of its patented eFlow fuel cell architecture (earlier post). Specifically, Loop Energy uses a signature trapezoid plate with narrowing channels for its bipolar plates, which increases gas velocity down the plate to deliver superior performance for fuel efficiency, and power output.
For fleet managers, operators of commercial vehicles and the wider hydrogen infrastructure market, that means less hydrogen fuel used per kilometer, lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO) of hydrogen-electric commercial vehicles.
Fuel costs make up roughly half of the total cost of ownership for heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles, which makes advancement in fuel efficiency a significant factor in creating a tipping point for commercial transition from diesel to clean fuels.
The S1200 opens up a new market for Loop Energy as the product is specifically designed for medium- to heavy-duty commercial vehicles, which is a step up in power range and scope compared to its other fuel cell products.
The S1200 is delivered as a complete fuel cell system which simplifies and quickens integration for vehicle OEMs, and makes it a ready-to-adopt solution for heavy-duty transportation and power system applications.
Whoever believes this fairy tale also believes that cash is grown on cashew trees.
Posted by: yoatmon | 21 September 2022 at 03:41 AM
@yoatman:
Perhaps addressing the actual technologies and facts given rather than simply pronouncing wholly unfounded opinions is more conducive to debate, or indeed thought.
Posted by: Davemart | 21 September 2022 at 06:45 AM
Go go go, it will help the commercialisation of hydrogen cars and hydrogen infrastructure in a few years. Also it will help lowering petroleum price in the meantime. It seem hydrogen and/or ammonia is the future.
Posted by: Gorr | 21 September 2022 at 07:25 AM