Vertiv and Ballard Power Systems a PEM fuel cells provider, have announced a strategic technology partnership focused on developing hydrogen fuel cell backup power solutions for data centers and critical infrastructure. The scalable systems will range from 200kW to multiple megawatts.
The companies have successfully demonstrated a proof of concept at Vertiv’s facility in Ohio, integrating Ballard fuel cell power modules with a Vertiv Liebert EXL S1 uninterruptible power system (UPS).
Initial validations and tests showed the zero-emission backup power system operating successfully as part of an uninterruptible power architecture.
“As the soaring increase in data usage is driving up power demand and expansion of data centre capacity globally, the need to effectively manage electricity consumption and the carbon footprint of this energy-intensive sector is critical to achieve net-zero targets,” said Nicolas Pocard, vice president of marketing and strategic partnerships at Ballard.
The demonstrated system, called Vertiv Power Module H2, integrates two Ballard PowerGen 200kW fuel cell cabinets along with cooling, power conditioning, and hydrogen storage infrastructure. It is part of a 1 MW microgrid solution at Vertiv’s Customer Experience Center that also includes solar PV and battery energy storage.
Viktor Petik, vice president of Vertiv infrastructure solutions, said the adoption of AI and high-performance computing is driving demand for eco-friendly power solutions focused on zero-carbon and low-carbon alternatives.
“The successful fuel cell proof-of-concept with Ballard provides a viable option for customers strengthening their data center sustainability strategy, and those moving to a future-ready Bring Your Own Power model,” he stated.
The Vertiv Power Module H2 solution provides a rapidly deployable and scalable power infrastructure for new and existing data centers. It offers advantages such as zero greenhouse gas emissions, low noise, rapid power response, low maintenance, extended backup duration, optimized footprint, and multi-megawatt scalability.
The partnership aligns with Vertiv’s “One Vertiv, One World” sustainability strategy. The companies plan to demonstrate the fuel cell powered backup systems at the Smarter E Europe 2024 energy industry exhibition in June
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