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Ballard Power Systems has partnered with Vertiv
Ballard Power Systems, a global provider of digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, and PEM fuel cell provider, has formed a strategic technology partnership with Vertiv. The partnership aims to develop backup power applications for data centers and critical infrastructures, scalable from 200kW to multiple MWs.
As part of this collaboration, Vertiv has integrated Ballard's fuel cell power modules with the Vertiv Liebert EXL S1 uninterruptible power system (UPS). This integration was successfully demonstrated in a proof of concept (POC) at Vertiv’s facility in Ohio, showcasing the technical feasibility and customer benefits of hydrogen-powered fuel cell solutions.
“As the soaring increase in data usage is driving up power demand and expansion of data center capacity globally, the need to effectively manage electricity consumption and the carbon footprint of this energy-intensive sector is critical to achieving net-zero targets,” said Nicolas Pocard, vice president marketing, and strategic partnerships, Ballard. “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 backup power solutions that are scalable to meet data centers growing power demands.”
Vertiv has demonstrated its Power Module H2 solution at its Delaware, Ohio facility, integrating two Ballard PowerGen 200kW fuel cell cabinets into a decarbonized backup system. This solution includes a complete cooling sub-system, power conditioning equipment, and hydrogen storage infrastructure, all integrated with Vertiv HPL Lithium-Ion batteries, Liebert EXL S1 UPS system, and the Vertiv DynaFlex Energy Management Controller. This Power Module H2 solution is part of the 1 MW Vertiv Customer Experience Center microgrid, which also includes a 1MW AC Solar PV array and the Vertiv DynaFlex Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Initial tests have shown successful operation of zero GHG emission backup power integrated into an uninterruptible power architecture.
Viktor Petik, vice president of Vertiv infrastructure solutions, stated that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) is driving the need for eco-friendly power solutions. The successful fuel cell proof-of-concept with Ballard offers a viable option for customers aiming to enhance their data center sustainability strategy and transition to a Bring Your Power (BYOP) model.
Vertiv’s Power Module H2 is designed to meet the increasing energy demands of future data centers and provide zero GHG emission backup power generation. The prefabricated and factory-tested system offers a scalable power infrastructure for new data centers and can retrofit existing sites without redesigning the electrical infrastructure.
The Vertiv Power Module H2 solution, focusing on North America, Europe, and select other regions, has these uses for critical infrastructure applications:
This solution expands Vertiv’s power portfolio and contributes to the “One Vertiv, One World” plan, part of Vertiv’s strategy for a more sustainable future.