Ballard and Ford Unveil Ecostar Hydrogen Genset

Ballard Power Systems Inc. (Vancouver, BC) and Ford Power Products, the powertrain sales office of Ford Motor Co. (Dearborn, MI), jointly introduced and demonstrated Ballard’s Ecostar hydrogen generator set (genset), the world’s first hydrogen-fueled, internal-combustion, engine-driven genset. The initial market for this product will be utilities for peak power applications, and it is also suitable for small turbines or combustion engines using other fuels.

The Ecostar hydrogen genset is capable of producing 114kVA of power at several voltage levels and phase options, and is based upon a standard 6.8-liter Ford production engine that has been modified and warranted by Ford Power for hydrogen use. Commercial production of the hydrogen genset will begin in the fourth quarter of 2002. The Ecostar hydrogen genset joins the natural-gas-fueled genset recently introduced by Ballard as the second product in the family of gensets using Ford Power engines. Additional Ecostar gensets are expected to be introduced over the next few years.

"Working with Ford Power Products, we are proud to demonstrate Ballard’s leadership in the introduction of revolutionary, clean, power generation solutions,” said Ross Witschonke, vice president and general manager of Ballard’s Electric Drives and Power Conversion division. “In addition to providing our customers with clean, siteable power, this new product will provide Ballard with early revenue opportunities, will increase public awareness of alternative fuels and power solutions, and assist in the development of a hydrogen infrastructure.”