Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. (TMS) has activated a 1.1 MW hydrogen fuel cell generator on its Torrance, Calif., headquarters campus. According to the company, the fuel cell will supply approximately half of the electricity for six headquarters buildings during peak demand.
Designed and built by Ballard Power Systems, the proton exchange membrane (PEM) stationary fuel cell is powered by hydrogen that is gas fed directly from a pre-existing industrial hydrogen pipeline. Hydrogen within the dedicated pipeline is provided by Air Products and created from natural gas reformation.
TMS says this direct power source allows the company to reduce utility grid electricity usage during peak power demand, adding that it expects power generated by the fuel cell to save the company approximately $130,000 a year in reduced energy purchased from Southern California Edison.
"Not only will this new hydrogen fuel cell generator reduce the environmental footprint of our headquarters campus, but it showcases the power and potential of hydrogen as a fuel source," says Bob Daly, TMS’ senior vice president.
