Ballard Power Systems and Vertiv have entered into a strategic technology partnership with a focus on backup power applications for data centres and critical infrastructures, scalable from 200kW to multiple MWs. Collaborating to demonstrate the technical feasibility and customer benefits of hydrogen-powered fuel cell solutions, Vertiv has integrated Ballard fuel cell power modules with Vertiv Liebert EXL S1 uninterruptible power system (UPS) within a successfully demonstrated proof of concept (POC) at Vertiv's facility in Ohio. Based on industry-ready components, Vertiv's demonstrated Power Module H2 solution at their Delaware, Ohio facility integrates two Ballard PowerGen 200kW fuel cell cabinets, which power the fully functional decarbonized backup system.

The solution encompasses a complete cooling sub-system, power conditioning equipment and hydrogen storage infrastructure integrated with Vertiv HPL Lithium-Ion batteries, Liebert EXL S1 UPS system and the Vertiv DynaFlex Energy Management Controller. The Power Module H2 solution is part of the 1 MW Vertiv Customer Experience Center microgrid solution including a 1MW AC Solar PV array and Vertiv DynaFlex Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Initial validations and tests have demonstrated successful operation of zero GHG emission backup power integrated into an uninterruptible power architecture.

Vertiv's Power Module H2 is an alternative for meeting escalating energy demands of future data centres and zero GHG emission backup power generation. The prefabricated and factory tested system, provides a rapidly deployable and scalable power infrastructure for new data centres as well as the capability of retrofitting existing sites without redesign of the electrical infrastructure. With a geographic focus on North America, Europe and selected opportunities in other geographies, the Vertiv Power Module H2 solution offers several advantages for critical infrastructure applications: Single-supplied complex power infrastructure; Zero GHG emission and low noise backup power generation; Rapid power response; Low maintenance compared to diesel generator backup solutions; Extended backup (days) - limited only by fuel storage capacity; Optimized footprint for MW scale applications; Scalable in multi-MW UPS and Fuel Cell applications.

The Vertiv Power Module H 2 solution broadens the Vertiv power portfolio and is an innovative contribution to the recently revealed the "One Vertiv, One World" plan, part of Vertiv's responsible business strategy to enable a more sustainable future. Vertiv and Ballard's teams will demonstrate and discuss fuel cell powered standby power applications for data centers and critical infrastructures at Smarter E Europe 2024.