Toyota Material Handling – 5 factors to consider when switching to hydrogen.
Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are booming. Hydrogen is a clean, productive, efficient and CO2-neutral energy solution (provided green hydrogen is used), which is extremely interesting for multi-station and heavy-duty operations.
Since this is not a standardised procedure as is the case for lead-acid batteries, the implementation process will always be personalised and carried out with an energy strategy in mind. Fuel cell technology involves a new way of thinking.
With the fuel cell only at the beginning of its innovation cycle, this is the ideal transition time for early adopters and innovation leaders. If hydrogen represents a big potential, there are some factors to consider before embarking on a transition!
Please note that you will also need to comply with applicable local laws and regulations. Legislation or guidelines on hydrogen fuel cells vary from country to country and even region to region. Start by learning about it.
Discover the 5 factors to consider:
1. What are the operational benefits of the hydrogen fuel cell?
Is there room for improvement in terms of time, available space and capital? Does your company need more flexibility? Can your logistics processes be improved? Do you want to replace diesel or gas with electricity? Are you looking to reduce your CO2 emissions?
We are sure that you have already inquired about the advantages of the hydrogen fuel cell. Flexible, the fuel cell is easier to use and is a more efficient solution for managing peak consumption than lead-acid and li-ion batteries. It does not require additional batteries, since you can fully refuel your cart in just two or three minutes. An amount of 0.5 to 1 kg of hydrogen in the tank is enough to feed the trolley for eight hours in a row.
2. Have you identified your key day-to-day operations?
How big is your fleet? How many rotating teams or working hours do you have? What energy source are you currently using? What is the level of training of your forklift operators?
The more trolleys your fleet and the number of rotations, the faster you will benefit from a return on investment. The fuel cell can be a major asset for certain types of operations, such as:
- Energy-intensive applications with front-end trucks with a lifting capacity of 1.5 to 5 tons
- Applications experiencing difficulties at electrical charging stations
- Collective logistics service providers, where productivity is the key word
The fuel cell is highly recommended if you want to increase the durability, productivity and efficiency of your handling operations. It allows easy and fast refueling and retains its maximum power throughout its service life.
It is a source of energy of unparalleled simplicity. It will save your employees time, because hydrogen trolleys require little maintenance and are easier to refuel, in just a few minutes.
3. Does it fit into your corporate culture?
Are you an innovative company? Do you like novelty and are always looking for improvement? Do you like to collaborate with other companies? What is your ecological footprint and what are your sustainability goals? Are renewable energy sources important to you?
Given the relatively new nature of this energy carrier as a fuel source, hydrogen is an investment for the future. It is important that this investment matches the culture and image of your company.
4. Does it fit into your company’s own values?
Do you generate your own renewable energy source (solar, wind, etc.)? Are your activities related in any way to hydrogen? Are you creating a new activity or modifying existing activities? Are you used to large investment projects? What are your company’s hygiene needs?
It is easier to assemble hydrogen installations from scratch given the layout requirements. This allows you to adapt your installations accordingly. Obviously, with a few extra investments, you can modify your existing facilities according to the fuel cells if you wish. Remember that switching to the hydrogen fuel cell is a big investment but a growing number of countries are embracing the cause and subsidizing investment costs.
Currently, the airport and marine transportation industry faces strong pressures to reduce its environmental footprint, making hydrogen an ideal choice since the emission level is zero if green hydrogen is used.
Hydrogen is also an exceptionally clean and quiet fuel, a must in some operations. It can be extracted from a wide range of substances (including water) and is present in abundance on our planet. When using an engine powered by a fuel cell, the only products of rejection are water and heat.
5. Can we have a hydrogen charging station on our site?
When considering the feasibility of such a project, the first question you need to ask yourself is: what is the probability of obtaining a permit? The conditions for granting a permit for the installation of a hydrogen station vary from country to country and region to region.
In the Netherlands, for example, the closer the facility is to a “residential” or “green” area, the less likely you are to obtain a permit. Without a permit, there is no hydrogen station, of course.
Another factor to consider: are you able to comply with the refuelling conditions and guidelines defined in your country or region of use? You will need to make certain arrangements to ensure that your hydrogen cart can refuel safely.
Again, these conditions vary from country to country and region to region; in many European countries, for example, this means having a perimeter of 20 meters around the hydrogen charging station. Installing a hydrogen charging station near your buildings will therefore lead to legal problems.
So check the guidelines in force at the local level before investing in an energy source such as hydrogen. When refueling outside, however, you can erect a wall around the charging station to reduce the perimeter. If, on the other hand, you opt for refueling inside, you will have to equip your buildings with gas lines.
Of course, the feasibility of your fuel cell project also depends on the availability of hydrogen. Is your country a major producer of hydrogen? The fuel cell can be the solution to your needs; otherwise, you may find it difficult to supply your fleet of carts.
Ready for the next step?
Our energy experts will be happy to guide you through this process. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are considering opting for a fuel cell or for any questions about it. Our energy experts will arrange an appointment to provide you with more information and study your organization more closely.
After which they will proceed to a business case based on your specific needs, the layout of your facilities, your objectives, your modes of operation etc. Local processes may differ from country to country and region to region, as may local laws and regulations and grants awarded.
The fuel cell is a long-term investment. Today, you can position your company as a modern, environmentally friendly flagship and a leader in sustainable innovation.
Remember, however, that hydrogen is not limited to a type of green fuel that you can use in your handling equipment! It is also an energy carrier that can power your entire supply chain, from trucks to vans or even cars, in the form of a fuel cell.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
5 factors to consider when switching to hydrogen, August 223, 2022
