19.10.2015

The Taiwanese company M-Field, Dantherm Power, Aalborg University and CEMTEC have initiated a new project which will focus on developing the next generation flexible and optimized fuel cell system for forklifts. The project is funded by the Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP), who has granted 9.69 million DKK to the project.

The project with the appertaining title HyFlexDrive will take an important step towards the commercialization of fuel cell systems for forklifts by developing a more reliable-, cost competitive- and flexible product.

In collaboration with a number of companies placed in Northern Denmark such as Hedegaard Foods, Rockwool and Arla Foods, the project will aim at developing the next generation fuel cell systems, which can be used in a possible future roll out of forklifts in their fleet.

Business Development Manager at Dantherm Power and Project Manager of the HyFlexDrive project, Kristina Fløche Juelsgaard, states: “We are very pleased that local companies are involved and want to commit not only to the project but to a possible integration of fuel cell vehicles in their business.”

No CO2 emissions

The forklifts which today are used indoor primarily use batteries, due to low noise, low vibrations and zero emissions from the batteries. However, the batteries must be swapped several times a day and they take a long time to recharge. This may cause loss in productivity and be of great inconvenience for the users.

The fuel cell forklift only takes 3-4 minutes to refill, and it is therefore possible to use the vehicle around the clock.

The fuel cell forklift has its own fuel cell system, which produces electrical energy instead of a battery. The fuel cells produce electrical power which happens as a reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, when these two elements reacts with the fuel cells.

Using a fuel cell forklift can enable significant reduction in carbon emissions, and the only by-product from the forklift is water which is expelled from the fuel cells as steam.

Dantherm Power will be the project leader with great experience within clean energy backup power systems. The Taiwanese company M-Field has due to its participation in the project decided to set up an entity in Denmark where it can expand  business and contribute with its expertise within the development of fuel cell systems.

Hydrogen and fuel cell technology has been the main focus for the last ten years in the municipality of Mariagerfjord, and with the unique location it has has been given the name Hydrogen Valley.

CEMTEC will contribute to the project with its local knowhow and expertise within hydrogen activities. This will be supported by the last partner of the project, Aalborg University, who will contribute with years of field experience within fuel cell and system technology.

The Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP) has granted 9.69 million DKK or approximately 1.3 million Euro to the HyFlexDrive project, which will be terminated in 2017.