Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions; and PEM fuel cell market leader Ballard Power Systems, have entered into a strategic technology partnership with a focus on backup power applications for data centres and critical infrastructures, scalable from 200kW to multiple MWs.
Collaborating to demonstrate the technical feasibility and customer benefits of hydrogen-powered fuel cell solutions, Vertiv has integrated Ballard fuel cell power modules with Vertiv Liebert EXL S1 Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) within a successfully demonstrated Proof of Concept (PoC) at Vertiv’s facility in Ohio.
Commenting on the partnership, Nicolas Pocard, Vice President Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, Ballard, said, “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. Ballard and Vertiv’s strategic partnership enables both parties to leverage our respective strengths to offer cost-effective, zero Green House Gas (GHG) emission fuel cell back-up power solutions that are scalable to meet data centres growing power demands.”
Based on industry-ready components, Vertiv’s demonstrated Power Module H2 solution at their Delaware, Ohio facility integrates two Ballard PowerGen 200kW fuel cell cabinets, which power the fully functional decarbonized backup system. The solution encompasses a complete cooling sub-system, power conditioning equipment and hydrogen storage infrastructure integrated with Vertiv HPL Lithium-Ion batteries, Liebert EXL S1 UPS system and the Vertiv DynaFlex Energy Management Controller. The Power Module H2 solution is part of the 1 MW Vertiv Customer Experience Center microgrid solution including a 1MW AC Solar PV array and Vertiv DynaFlex Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
