Raymond tests hydrogen fuel cells

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 1/9/2007

Lift truck maker Raymond Corp. (Booth 3219) has decided the best way to explore hydrogen fuel cell technology is to use it. Later this year, the company’s manufacturing facility in Greene, N.Y., will become a living lab, with hydrogen fuel cell-powered lift trucks working in the facility.

"By using our own facility as a test lab, we can streamline the development process and learn firsthand the requirements for using fuel cell-powered forklifts in a manufacturing environment," said Mike Field, vice president of engineering for Raymond.

The two-year project is receiving funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Field announced yesterday the company was awarded a $750,000 contract from NYSERDA to research the use of hydrogen fuel cells in lift trucks. Part of that research will involve developing infrastructure for indoor hydrogen fueling systems.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, said Field, hydrogen fuel cells offer the following advantages over electric batteries:

• Higher productivity

• Faster recharging/refueling

• Constant voltage

• The possibility of multiple fueling stations throughout a facility

• Less space dedicated to recharging/refueling

A pallet truck equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell is on display at Raymond’s booth.