Horizon Fuel Cell has recently unveiled its 400kW VLS-IV PEM fuel cell, considered the most powerful of its kind in the world, during the Fuel Cell Technology Expo (CHFE2024) in Foshan, China.
This innovative system stands out for its high power output, low cost, long lifespan, and high fault tolerance, making it an ideal solution for decarbonising heavy vehicles and industrial equipment.
This new technology could cut hydrogen consumption in heavy trucks by up to 20%, providing sufficient power for the most demanding on-road vehicles. It also addresses key challenges in the decarbonisation of heavy equipment.
The design is based on Horizon’s patented graphite-metal hybrid bipolar plate technology, which previously disrupted the market with the launch of the VLS-III series in 2021. The latest model raises the bar for efficiency and performance, signalling a new era for hydrogen applications.
The VLS-IV’s impact extends beyond transport. Horizon is leveraging this technology to develop its “zero-carbon MW powerplant”, designed to power off-grid AI data centres and peak-shaving powerplants for stabilising electrical grids.
Horizon has introduced significant improvements in its bipolar plate production processes:
• Cost reduction: The graphite layer is produced using high-precision moulding techniques, cutting costs by over 50%.
• Enhanced conductivity: The metal layer employs a new PVD carbon coating technology to reduce contact resistance and improve reliability.
• Efficient assembly: The hybrid plates are assembled with Horizon’s long-established sealing technology, ensuring the reliable integration of graphite and metal layers.
Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies, founded in 2003, has focused on pioneering innovations in materials and system-level technologies for fuel cells and electrolysers. The launch of the 400kW VLS-IV fuel cell strengthens its position as a leader in the global energy transition towards a zero-emissions future.
As hydrogen technology matures and applications diversify, Horizon is driving the mass commercialisation of hydrogen power solutions and green hydrogen production, rising to the challenges of the “post-subsidy era”.
For more information, visit: www.horizonfuelcell.com.
