Earlier in the year, Fuel Cell Markets Ltd (FCM) and Greenpower started discussions aimed at introducing innovative clean energy technology into their activities. The electric cars that participate in the competition are powered by batteries, which need to be recharged and swapped throughout the day to maintain power over the gruelling six hour race. FCM introduced Greenpower to the London Hydrogen Partnership (LHP), who were pleased to be able to offer their fuel cell trailer for the event. The LHP fuel cell trailer is a trailer-mounted Plug Power GenCoreTM Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system with hydrogen cylinder enclosure, control and demonstration equipment designed to introduce fuel cell and hydrogen technology to the general public.

Dave Illingworth from FDT Associates was on hand to talk to operate and demonstrate the fuel cell throughout the day, and was kept very busy with the number of interested visitors. The schools themselves were very keen to be able to charge their batteries from the fuel cell and there was genuine competition between the schools to be allocated a space in the carbon neutral charging area.

At a previous Greenpower event at Dunsfold airfield, the generator used to charge the batteries broke down during the day, and the LHP trailer was fortunately on hand to provide emergency backup power for the event. 

Greenpower and Fuel Cell Markets hope that the presence of the fuel cell trailer will mark the start of greater interaction between this excellent schools competition and alternative energy in the future. There are many opportunities for fuel cell companies to become involved in the Greenpower race series, and the synergies are strong and clear. The battery-powered cars are very reminiscent of fuel cell-powered electric cars that have been developed, such as the HydroPuffin from Japan’s GEA and BOC’s GH2OST and ECO cars. BOC provide the hydrogen that fuels the LHP fuel cell.

As well as opportunities for on-board fuel cell power, there are also opportunities for portable and stationary battery charging technologies. Indeed, one school – Ansford Community School used a bicycle-style dynamo to charge their batteries, winning the ‘Greenest Car’ award for 2006.

The interest in fuel cells from pupils, staff and visitors to the event was encouraging and confirms that this is an excellent opportunity to educate self-motivated school pupils and the general public in an exciting real-world situation. We encourage any interested companies to contact Fuel Cell Markets or Greenpower to discuss participation in next year’s event.

Congratulations to The Weald School's 'Slippery Trug' on winning the final.

Prepared by Fuel Cell Markets Ltd on behalf of Greenpower

About Fuel Cell Markets

Fuel Cell Markets Ltd is focussed on accelerating the commercialisation of hydrogen, fuel cell and related technologies. The marketplace at www.fuelcellmarkets.com is an interactive, open industry database. It has been specifically designed to help improve communications within the emerging alternative energy industry, provide a bridge to traditional industry and energy markets and to offer an educational resource for end-users that will help drive demand for alternative and sustainable energy solutions.

About London Hydrogen Partnership

The London Hydrogen Partnership is working towards a hydrogen economy for London. It is chaired by the Deputy Mayor of London, and its members include: Air Products, Association of London Government, Baxi Group, BMW, BOC, BP, Carbon Trust, DTI, Energy Saving Trust, Greater London Authority, Health and Safety Executive, Imperial College, Intelligent Energy, Johnson Matthey, London Climate Change Agency, London Development Agency, London First, Rolls-Royce, Thames Water and Transport for London. Further information is available at www.lhp.org.uk

Further links:

FDT Associates: http://www.fdtassociates.com/
Plug Power: www.plugpower.com
BOC Hydrogen: http://www.fuelcellmarkets.com/home.fcm?subsite=453
GEA: http://g-e-a.net/eng/intro/index.html