Coleman Powermate (Aurora, IL) introduced the AirGen™ fuel cell generator, which converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. The AirGen™ fuel cell generator can be used as a portable power source or as an emergency backup power system. The AirGen™ is the world's first commercial proton-exchange membrane fuel cell generator for end-users.
The AirGen™ fuel cell generator, powered by Ballard Power Systems Inc.’s (Vancouver, BC) Nexa™ power module, generates up to 1,000W of electricity as long as hydrogen gas is supplied. The UL- and CSA-approved AirGen™ fuel cell generator has a built-in power inverter that can generate ac power. The power inverter by SoftSwitching Technologies Corp. (Madison, WI) converts the fuel cell’s dc power into electricity that can power standard electronics, computers and appliances.
The AirGen™ fuel cell generator is now available to industrial customers directly from Coleman Powermate. Hydrogen fuel is supplied through high-pressure cylinders and can be purchased from Praxair, Coleman Powermate's exclusive hydrogen supplier. A commercial/residential version of the AirGen™ fuel cell generator is cuurently being planned. Instead of high-pressure cylinders, the unit will draw hydrogen from three smaller fuel canisters that are inserted into the unit.
A $1,000 manufacturer’s rebate is being offered in cooperation with the California Air Resources Board for the first 50 California industrial businesses that purchase the AirGen™ fuel cell generator.
