UTC Power Fuel Cell Systems in AC Transit Buses Set High Durability Standards

UTC Power has been responsible for fuel cell development for businesses, government agencies and transit authorities in the past 50 years. The Connecticut-based corporation has worked with businesses like the Connecticut Science Center to generate electrical power through fuel cells. UTC Power has also provided electrical systems for water purification and auxiliary systems to NASA since 1986. The latest innovation by UTC Power is the incorporation of fuel cell stacks into public buses. These efforts have yielded impressive results in the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit).

AC Transit has used three Pure Motion Model 120 fuel cell systems in its fleet of 674 public buses. These fuel cell systems have traveled a total of 255,000 miles without requiring extensive maintenance or repairs. The leading hydrogen-powered bus in the fleet has accrued 7,000 operating hours without a single mechanical failure. Another bus outfitted by UTC Power has traveled 6,000 hours without repairs or replacements. UTC Power and AC Transit project that each Pure Motion Model 120 system reduces fuel consumption by 65% compared to a diesel bus.

The trio of UTC Power systems used by AC Transit travels routes throughout Oakland and surrounding communities. This transit system serves more than 69 million riders over 25 million service miles per year, which shows an ongoing demand for public transportation in the area. The system’s 105 bus routes and service lines present a conundrum for AC Transit. The success of the Pure Motion Model 120 should encourage additional purchases but it will take years to find money for a total overhaul.

The AC Transit experience is demonstrating the durability of fuel cell technology in public transportation. The daily demands on a single public bus can wear down even the best drive systems. UTC Power’s fuel cell systems seem to be holding up to these stresses as well as traditional diesel systems. Increased applications of the Pure Motion Model 120 fuel cell system would be helpful to transit companies and utilities in their efforts to get greener. UTC Power has been quick to point out that fuel economy improvements are only one component of its clean energy portfolio. This fuel cell drive can reduce emissions by 43% with hydrogen produced by natural gas and 100% with hydrogen produced through wind and solar power. UTC Power is right to point out that clean propulsion and power generation should be incorporated simultaneously.

Source: Nick Katers, Hybridmile.com