Vertiv, (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and uninterruptible power solutions, and Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP), a market leader in PEM fuel cells, have entered into a strategic technology partnership focused on backup power applications for data centers and critical infrastructure, scalable from 200kW to multi-MW.
As part of a collaboration to demonstrate the technical feasibility and customer benefits of hydrogen-powered fuel cell solutions, Vertiv has integrated Ballard fuel cell power modules with UPS Liebert® EXL S1 di Vertiv™ at the Vertiv plant in Ohio, where a proof of concept (POC) was created.
“The skyrocketing use of data is driving energy demand and the expansion of data center capacity globally, while the need to effectively manage the electricity consumption and CO₂ impact of an energy-intensive sector becomes critical to achieving net-zero goals,” said Nicolas Pocard, vice president of marketing and strategic partnerships at Ballard. “The Ballard and Vertiv partnership allows both companies to leverage their respective strengths to offer low-cost, zero greenhouse gas (GHG) fuel cell backup power solutions that scale to meet growing data center energy demands.”
Based on industry-proven components, the Power Module H2 solution pioneered by Vertiv at its Delaware, Ohio facility integrates two 200 kW Ballard PowerGen fuel cell cabinets, which power the fully functional, decarbonized backup system. The solution includes a complete cooling system, power system conditioning equipment and a hydrogen storage infrastructure integrated with Vertiv™ HPL lithium-ion batteries, Liebert® EXL S1 uninterruptible power supply and Vertiv™ DynaFlex energy management controller. The Power Module H2 solution is part of Vertiv's 1MW Customer Experience Center microgrid, which includes a 1MW AC solar PV system and battery energy storage system (BESS) Vertiv™ DynaFlex. Initial verification and testing demonstrated the successful operation of the zero-GHG backup power system integrated into an emergency power architecture.
The unprecedented adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) is driving the need for environmentally friendly power solutions for our customers, with a focus on zero- and low-CO₂ energy alternatives,” said Viktor Petik, vice president infrastructure solutions at Vertiv. “The successful proof-of-concept for fuel cells with Ballard provides a viable option for customers pursuing a data center sustainability strategy and for those transitioning to a BYOP (Bring Your Own Power) model ready for the future”.
Vertiv's H2 Power Module is an alternative capable of meeting the energy demand of future data centers and generating backup energy with zero greenhouse gas emissions. The system, prefabricated and factory-tested, provides a rapidly deployable and scalable power infrastructure for new data centers, as well as the ability to retrofit existing sites without redesigning the electrical infrastructure.
With an overall focus on North America, Europe and strong opportunities in other geographies, the Vertiv Power Module H2 solution offers multiple benefits for critical infrastructure applications:
- Complex electrical infrastructure powered by a single source
- Zero greenhouse gas emissions and low noise backup energy generation
- Dynamic and timely response to energy demand
- Reduced maintenance compared to diesel generator backup solutions
- Extended backup (days) – limited only by fuel storage capacity
- Optimized footprint for MW-scale applications
- Scalability in multi-MW UPS and fuel cell applications
The Vertiv Power Module H2 solution expands the Vertiv power solutions portfolio and provides an innovative contribution to the project “One Vertiv, One World“, recently presented, which is part of Vertiv's corporate strategy to promote a more sustainable future.
