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Description
PowerUP Fuel Cells is an Estonian company that develops and produces high-quality and sustainable energy generation products. With 20 years of experience in fuel cell technology development, PowerUP is the innovator in the fuel cell technology market.
The purpose of the project is to develop and assemble in co-operation with Beyonder AS and Nordic Batteries AS a 10,000 W proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell based portable generator, UP10K Pro, which will provide clean energy to a number of industries that require uninterrupted power supply, but is mainly targeted to the construction and mining industry.
The generator uses compressed hydrogen gas as fuel and is a zero-emission solution, therefore it is perfect to replace polluting and heavy diesel generators. The UP10K Pro will include a lithium-ion capacitor (LiC) pack, whereby the solution will be able to provide a high power for a short period of time for an application that requires high amounts of energy over a limited period of time, such as to perform heavy lifts or to start up heavy machinery. Therefore, this solution will be suitable for many applications in the construction and mining industry, such as forklifts, cranes, and lighting. The peak power of the solution is 100 kW.
Beyonder AS (BYO) is responsible for the development and production of LiC cells. Nordic Batteries AS (Nordic Batteries AS) is responsible for the packing of BYO''s cells into a battery pack. PowerUP Fuel Cells OÜ (PUFC) is leading the project and is responsible for the development and production of the whole generator system.
Summary of project results
Project addressed promoting green energy as its main challenge by providing solution for the future of the construction and mining industry.
The goal of the project was to create a portable generator based on a hydrogen fuel cell and a lithium ion battery with a capacity of 10,000 W, which supplies clean energy to industries with a high energy demand, mainly the construction and mining sectors.
The innovative UPMobile energy system uses compressed hydrogen as fuel, which does not pollute the environment and is therefore an ideal replacement for polluting and heavy diesel generators. Unlike diesel generators, hydrogen generators are practically maintenance-free. One very important advantage of using hydrogen-based energy is energy independence from fossil fuel-producing countries, which is more and more relevant considering today''s geopolitical situation.
In addition to the hydrogen fuel cell, the UPMobile also includes a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, with which the generator can provide up to 100 kW of power for short periods of time for applications that consume more energy in a limited time, such as construction lifts. The hydrogen fuel cell successfully covers up to 10 kW of continuous low power demand. This approach not only reduces emissions, but also offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution than current options.
Product video: https://youtu.be/X4CCiFrYzAE
The project activities have been successfully completed. All three partners are happy with the project results, the cooperation and the demonstration of the physical product. The UPMobile, consisting of a hydrogen fuel cell and a high-power lithium-ion cell, offers an alternative to diesel generators in the future.
Summary of bilateral results
Cooperation between the partners went well. The implementation of the biweekly general meetings and technical meetings and the conducted in person workshops helped strengthen the partnership and smooth the cooperation between the partners.