Cellcentric develops a more powerful FC system for long-haul trucks
The “Next-gen” fuel cell system from Cellocentric is said to have a compact design, a net output of more than 350 kW and a low weight thanks to a highly integrated single-system package solution. The company says its latest fuel cell system achieves the “performance characteristics of comparable conventionally powered long-distance trucks” and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by 20 per cent compared to the current BZA150 fuel cell generation, according to Cellcentric.
The new system with a maximum peak output of 375 kW is said to weigh less than 400 kilograms and offer a 30 per cent higher power density. Integrating the system into trucks has been made easier, according to the fuel cell system developer, because the system design and performance enable a 40 per cent reduction in waste heat at peak load, which significantly reduces the truck’s cooling requirements. According to Cellcentric, this is “an important strategic product improvement”.
Cellcentric’s latest iteration of its fuel cll system is also said to have a 40 per cent reduction in construction complexity – here too compared to the BZA150 – which is significant for the company in terms of production and for customers in terms of costs. At the same time, the system is said to be so robustly designed that its service life should be around 25,000 operating hours.
Despite all of its advantages, it will be some time before the Cellcentric NextGen system is available in fuel cell trucks from Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group because the fuel cell system manufacturer is holding out the prospect of the start of series production for “the end of the decade”. In the USA, the company said the system was being developed “with a special focus on the transportation requirements in North America”. When and where exactly it will be built was left open.
Nicholas Loughlan, CTO of Cellcentric, said, “Cellcentric’s NextGen is a zero-emission heavy-duty long-haul game changer that will allow us to play a significant role in shaping the sustainable transportation transition, also in this important market.”
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