The Hyster® Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) ReachStacker is an innovative zero-emission solution that uses a Nuvera® Fuel Cell Engine to convert hydrogen into electricity. Recently seen in a live application demonstration at the Port of Valencia, this is the first ReachStacker in Europe to use HFC technologies for port handling equipment in real operating conditions.
But how does the combination of a hydrogen fuel cell and a lithium-ion battery in the same machine actually work?
Watch this short explainer video to find out how the energy flows.
The all-important brains of the operation
To make a Hyster HFC ReachStacker move, the truck starts with a fully charged battery pack and a fuel cell which will create power from the hydrogen energy stored on board. However, the brains of the operation is the HVDM - a High Voltage Distribution Module – which works with controllers to manage the energy flow within the truck.
When the operator turns on the truck the battery instantly connects to the ‘brains’ and is ready to start supplying power. At the same time, the fuel cell starts up. However, the battery pack alone supplies enough energy for the truck to start operating straight away.
After a few moments, the Fuel Cell is also ready. It then starts providing the truck with power, and in fact, serves as its main power source. If any peaks in operational intensity are encountered, the battery pack can then support with more power.
Harvesting extra energy
As well as combining two power sources, the Hyster HFC ReachStacker is also designed to make efficient use of energy. For example, when the operator slows down or stops, the ReachStacker’s kinetic energy is harvested through regenerative braking. The ReachStacker design also enables energy to be captured when lowering loads.
What happens to it? This electrical energy is then channelled by the HVDM to power the vehicle, or to charge the on-board lithium-ion battery. In practise, this enables the HFC to conserve energy and enable more efficiency over the entire system, providing longer operating time.
So, what does the fuel cell do?
In the Hyster ReachStacker, the fuel cell starts and stops gradually in order to prolong its life. When the truck ramps down or is eventually idle, the fuel cell ramps down as well, but it continues to produce power for a short period of time. This energy is sent through the ‘brains’. It flows back into the battery pack and helps to recharge the lithium-ion battery.
In fast paced ports and terminals, a ReachStacker isn’t idle for long. So, when it lifts a container or starts moving again, the fuel cell once again starts providing the main source of power to the truck, with the battery providing backup when extra energy is needed. Then when required, the hydrogen fuel cell can be refuelled, ready for the next challenge.
Supporting sustainability in ports
With more ports and terminals looking to achieve sustainability goals, this dual energy ReachStacker provides a zero-emission solution. Fuel cells deliver a solution for heavy duty applications where electric/battery charging infrastructure remains a challenge, and also where operations are unable to charge a truck in a short time due to its high operating hours. Compared to using a diesel counterpart, this solution may also help operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as noise pollution.
For more information on electrification for Hyster Big Trucks, Container Handlers, or ReachStackers, or to discuss your optimal fleet power source, speak to your local Hyster dealer.
