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Chevron Fuels AC Transit's HyRoad Program AC Transit Marketing 03/13/2006 |
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See the complete press release issued March 13, 2006 Bay Area residents can breathe easier thanks to a fleet of zero-emission fuel cell buses and cars operated by the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), and powered by Chevron Hydrogen, as part of AC Transit's groundbreaking HyRoad hydrogen fuel cell demonstration program.
Comprehensive The HyRoad program is considered the most comprehensive hydrogen fuel cell demonstration in North America because it includes:
Building Momentum The HyRoad demonstration project will provide participants with a better understanding of hydrogen's commercial potential because it applies alternative energy technology to a practical, everyday situation. Widespread commercialization of this technology may still be many years away. But, says AC Transit's General Manager Rick Fernandez, “The place to begin demonstrating any advanced transportation system is with fleet application, which offers the convenience of centralized fueling and maintenance. We also believe that our program, and the pathway we are following, holds the most promise toward achieving the long-term goal of using hydrogen fuel cell technology in the transportation sector.” Public/Private Collaboration More than 28 businesses and government agencies developed one fully integrated solution that gives the public an opportunity to experience hydrogen on a day-to-day basis. “Public and private participants worked together to address the community's need for cleaner, more fuel-efficient transportation while acknowledging the business realities involved,” says Don Paul Chevron Corporation's vice president and chief technology officer. Combined Technology Technology achievements also are incorporated throughout the program. The Chevron Hydrogen energy station features an integrated, on-site system for producing hydrogen from natural gas, then purifying, compressing, and storing it for use as a vehicle fuel. "By producing hydrogen at the site where it is consumed, Chevron is demonstrating a practical approach to hydrogen development," Paul says.
The station will dispense up to 150 kg of hydrogen daily – enough to fuel three 40-foot fuel cell buses and 10 fuel cell vehicles.
The three fuel cell buses are equipped with the most advanced technology available. Each includes PureMotion™ 120 kW fuel cell power systems which provide exceptional fuel efficiency because they combine hydrogen gas stored on the bus with oxygen from the air at near-ambient pressure.
“Because we do not require a compressor, we greatly increase the fuel efficiency and reliability of the system as a whole,” says Jan van Dokkum, president of UTC Power. “This design makes the bus unbelievably quiet, plus there are no harmful emissions.”
“Integrating the UTC Power fuel cell with a hybrid-electric drive system has enabled us to achieve twice the fuel efficiency of diesel,” says Dave Mazaika, president and chief executive officer of ISE.
The bus design has received international recognition. “Utilizing a vehicle design very similar to the one we developed with UTC and ISE for AC Transit, we are building a demonstration bus for the European market to further advance the use of fuel cell hybrid-electric technology,” says Leopold Van Hool, managing director of Van Hool NV. In the United States, Van Hool buses and coaches are distributed exclusively by ABC Companies of Minnesota.
DOE Tech Validation The HyRoad program is funded by grants from various federal, state and local agencies. As part of the Department of Energy's Technology Validation Program, AC Transit will operate a fleet of Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage fuel cell vehicles, powered by a UTC Power fuel cell system.
“Hyundai is pleased to be a partner in developing a future of sustainable energy and transportation,” says Dr. Won Suk Cho, president of Hyundai America's Technical Center.
Community Acceptance AC Transit fuel cell buses have begun carrying real passengers in the real world.
See the complete press release issued March 13, 2006 |
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