Fuel Cell Technology
Intralogistics with hydrogen drive
Powering intralogistics with hydrogen
Having to choose between cost-effective intralogistics and taking a climate-neutral approach has long been a thing of the past. Innovative energy systems like fuel cell technology allow you to run your industrial trucks in seamless multi-shift operation, without producing CO2 emissions in the process. This is achieved by using of sustainably produced, green hydrogen.
Application
- Saves time as there is no need to change battery
- High truck availability due to quick filling time of approx. 2–3 minutes
- Continuous energy supply with no drops in performance
- Indoor and outdoor use with operating times of up to 8 hours
Infrastructure
- Space-saving and flexible integration of dispensers (fuel pumps) along the transport routes
- No storage or charging rooms required
- No ventilation systems required
- Hydrogen can be generated in-house using electrolysis
Environmentally friendly
- Zero emissions – only ‘waste products’ are water/steam
- Clean energy source – ideal for hygiene-critical industries
- Reduction of carbon footprint
Trucks with fuel cells
STILL offers you the option of ordering selected trucks as a ‘fuel cell ready’ version ex works, which works in a similar way to the ‘Li-ion ready’ option. With this option, the truck is designed to accommodate a specific fuel cell, and the fuel cell can be integrated, subsequently if need be, as per the customer’s wishes.
The more hydrogen-powered industrial trucks in operation, the more efficient the fuel cell energy system. That is why we have 24 V, 48 V and 80 V fuel cell systems available for our portfolio of order pickers, tow tractors, high lift pallet trucks, reach trucks and counterbalanced forklift trucks.
Generally speaking, fuel cell technology is ideal for truck applications with a high number of operating hours or multi-shift operations.
In-house produced fuel cell systems
The production facility at the Hamburg plant, which opened at the end of 2023, produces a 24-volt fuel cell system specially developed for STILL warehouse trucks. This makes STILL the only manufacturer in the intralogistics industry in Europe to offer its customers a solution for a sustainable and efficient energy supply from a single source.
Another advantage of working with STILL is that customers receive comprehensive advice on fuel cell technology. Thanks to the partnership with experts in hydrogen projects, customers receive individual and customised advice tailored to their specific needs.
Components of the hydrogen infrastructure
When making the switch to a fuel cell energy system, it is important to ensure that you have the right trucks as well as the necessary infrastructure. This basically comprises the following:
- Trucks with fuel cells
- Hydrogen filling stations (dispensers)
- Hydrogen storage facilities
- A supply of hydrogen, e.g. through deliveries or in-house production (electrolysis)
As your intralogistics partner, STILL provides fuel cell trucks and works with its internationally renowned partners to ensure that a comprehensive energy solution (fuel cells and fuel infrastructure) can be put in place.
Would you like to know more about hydrogen and our solutions? Do not hesitate to contact us!
040 / 7339 2040
Request to: Fuel Cell Technology
Please fill out the form below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Hydrogen as an energy source
A compact molecule with a lot of energy. In the world of energy sources, hydrogen is the future. Thanks to the use of regeneratively produced electricity, it can be produced in a climate-neutral way, and is ideal for industrial applications, heat and power generation, as well as for mobility and intralogistics. Hydrogen is 14 times lighter than air, non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-radioactive. Hydrogen is not susceptible to spontaneous combustion, and burns cleanly with a colourless flame. In short, hydrogen is packed full of energy and can be produced as a greener, carbon-neutral sustainable energy source.
Fuel cells in intralogistics
When we talk about fuel cells in the industrial trucks sector, we mean ‘battery replacement modules’ (BRMs). A BRM is a closed system and corresponds to a specific battery compartment in its shape, size and weight. The BRM contains all the components required to generate electricity. These include the fuel cells, the hydrogen tank, tank ports and a small lithium-ion battery, as well as other components.
Once the tank is filled with hydrogen, which only takes a few moments, the fuel cell produces electrical energy for the intended application directly on board the truck. The process generates emissions of pure water vapour or water. The integrated lithium-ion battery acts as an energy store, supplying the truck with a constant flow of energy. Through this process, any excess or recovered energy is stored temporarily, which means that the truck can easily cater for peaks in electricity consumption, e.g. when lifting a load.
Carrefour
Back in 2018, the French retail company Carrefour introduced a hydrogen-powered fleet of 137 STILL warehouse technology trucks into its new logistics centre in Vendin-Le-Vieil in northern France. With its two-phase HyLIFT-EUROPE project, which was funded by the EU, the partners are setting a milestone for the use of hydrogen as an alternative energy source and demonstrating that this technology is reliable in tough day-to-day logistics.
Corstyrène
In late 2021, the first-ever green hydrogen filling station on the island of Corsica is set to open, at the production site of the specialist thermal insulation company Corstyrène in Aléria. The electrolyser used to produce the hydrogen required will be supplied with up to 99 kWc from solar panels installed on the plant’s car park. In the first phase, this will produce enough energy to fill seven STILL RX 20 fuel cell forklift trucks.
Do you have questions about this topic?
Consultancy on dive systems from the energy experts at STILL
Take advantage of our expertise for sustainable intralogistics. We will gladly assist you with deciding on the energy system of your future.
Contact
For further information please contact our consultants.
040 / 7339 2040
Request to: Fuel Cell Technology
Please fill out the form below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
