Air-Cooled Fuel Cell Stack is constructed for durability.

Press Release Summary:



Optimized for extended lifetime expectancy, FCgen™-1020ACS clean energy fuel cell stack features robust membrane electrode assembly frame and dynamic response. Stack features air-cooled architecture that helps simplify system design and can be integrated into complete system to provide short duration telecom backup power capability during electrical grid failure. Product may also be applied to extended duration telecom backup power and material handling equipment market segments.



Original Press Release:



Ballard Launches Enhanced Air-Cooled Fuel Cell Stack for Commercial Market Applications



--  Expected to further stimulate demand for fuel cell solutions



VANCOUVER - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLD) has announced the launch of the next  generation FCgen(TM)-1020ACS product, a widely deployed clean energy fuel cell stack. The product now boasts a number of enhancements designed to increase durability and lifetime, important benefits for the growing telecom backup power and material handling commercial markets.



The FCgen(TM)-1020ACS, an air-cooled fuel cell stack, was originally designed for integration  into a complete system to provide short duration telecom backup power  capability in the event of electrical grid failure. In addition,  Ballard recognized the product's ability to service other market  segments, including extended duration telecom backup power and material  handling equipment. Based on growing traction, along with the  requirement for longer product lifetime in these markets, Ballard  undertook a product development program to increase durability of the  fuel cell stack. Key among the various improvements implemented in this  next generation product are modifications to increase robustness of the  membrane electrode assembly frame, a critical core component of  Ballard's fuel cells.



"Ballard's customers will benefit from lower overall system operating  cost and maintenance requirements delivered by the extended operating  hours of this enhanced fuel cell stack platform," said Kevin Colbow,  Ballard's Director of Product Management. "We expect a 30-to-50 percent  improvement in durability, depending on the application, thereby  driving incremental market demand."



Featuring dynamic response, robust and reliable operation and an  air-cooled architecture that enables simplified system design, the  FCgen(TM)-1020ACS is a flexible product suitable for a wide variety of low  power applications and hybrid system designs. The next generation  FCgen(TM)-1020ACS has already been integrated into Ballard's ElectraGen(TM)  direct hydrogen- and methanol-fuelled systems, which provide more  cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solutions for telecom  backup power applications than the alternatives of lead-acid batteries  and diesel generators. In addition, Plug Power uses the FCgen(TM)-1020ACS  fuel cell stack in its line of GenDrive(®) fuel cell products, which are designed as drop-in replacements for  lead-acid batteries in electric lift trucks.



About Ballard Power Systems

Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLD) provides clean energy  fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of  applications. Products deliver incomparable performance, durability and  versatility. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.



Guy McAree

+1.604.412.7919

media@ballard.com or investors@ballard.com

All Topics