The project will examine the use of fuel-cell power packs in "tuggers" that tow baggage to and from aircraft. It will take place in cooperation with Air Canada at its Vancouver Ground Support Equipment site.
"Airports worldwide are looking for a variety of ways to reduce emissions and improve productivity," said Frank Trotter, President and CEO of General Hydrogen. "Most baggage tuggers have diesel engines and are required to go in and out of terminals and service buildings. We believe we will demonstrate that electric tuggers powered with our power packs are more efficient."
"The potential for hydrogen fuel cells to provide power for an array of equipment, both mobile and stationary, is immense," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. "As we develop a made-in-Canada plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of our air, water and land, it is important to work with companies like General Hydrogen in developing the innovative technologies Canada will need."
General Hydrogen's power packs contain Ballard Power Systems' fuel cells, and run for up to three times longer on a single fuelling than their battery-powered equivalents. They have all the benefits of lead-acid batteries and none of the disadvantages.
The same power pack was shown to greatly extend the operating time and performance of an electric-battery forklift in an earlier project at the Air Canada facility.
General Hydrogen is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, and specializes in fuel-cell power systems and hydrogen fuelling solutions for industrial vehicles and other off-road equipment. Started six years ago by Dr. Geoffrey Ballard and Paul Howard, two of the original founders of Ballard Power Systems, it is an active member of Canada's Hydrogen Highway™ initiative (www.hydrogenhighway.ca). General Hydrogen is a leader in hydrogen-powered technology for battery replacement. The Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance, a Government of Canada initiative managed by Natural Resources Canada, works with its many Canadian partners in industry, government and universities to support responsible development.
