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Has the era of fuel cell tech finally come to the
construction equipment industry? By all indicators, it has begun to make its
mark in the form of an "ultra-powerful" methane fuel cell that will power both
light and heavy construction equipment—equipment that now relies on diesel and
gas combustion.
The California Silicon Valley company that's producing the
power system is claiming that their fuel cell is far more powerful than older
technologies and therefore more efficient and of course, environmentally
friendly. According to one "green beat" report concerning the subject of
methane, alcohol-based fuel cell tech, "the cell will power the electrical
systems of vehicles like pallet loaders used in large warehouses. The cells can
also be used in new vehicles, but also for retrofitting older vehicles."
But while methane is being touted as "ultra-powerful"
compared to earlier cell technologies, is it more powerful than the more
popular, but still seemingly elusive hydrogen? According to some experts, while
hydrogen offers more thrust, the alcohol-based methane is easier and simpler to
obtain. It's also a good bet that it's cheaper.
Whatever type or variety of fuel cell you eventually choose for powering the construction equipment in your future, one thing is
absolutely clear: fuel cell tech is here to stay. Or, almost here anyway.
Do you foresee a day when your diesel-powered Mac truck or
gas-fired skid steer runs on fuel cell tech? Do you really think you'll derive
the same power as that in a combustion engine? Is there any romance to the
clean and quiet power generating fuel cell?
The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Construction Tools & Equipment, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Construction Tools & Equipment today.
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