These fuel cell systems are based on Heliocentris’ in-house development, except the fuel cells themselves. Heliocentris aims to design generic systems for use in a broad range of industrial settings, with a focus on size and technical requirements. These latest product launches see Heliocentris further strengthen its technological reputation and expand its position within the fuel cell value chain. The company is also further building on its lead as a system integrator in the international fuel cell market.

At the Hannover show Heliocentris presented two systems equipped with air-cooled PEM fuel cells from Ballard Power Systems, as examples of industrial applications. One unit supplies 350 W of backup power, and is applied as an extension to an existing photovoltaic emergency power supply, shown in collaboration with SMA Technologie AG. The other is a complete, self-contained 1.2 kW power generation unit including hydrogen generation (electrolyzer) and storage. The installation is an example of a stand-alone grid-independent energy system.

In addition to these air-cooled systems, Heliocentris showed a water-cooled system platform using Schunk PEM fuel cells. This compact system allows the use of ‘waste’ heat for heating purposes, for example, increasing the system’s overall efficiency.