How can fuel cells improve warehouse efficiency?
Fuel cells offer a number of benefits for manufacturing facilities, and logistics and warehouse operations, including improved efficiency and sustainability. From reduced downtime, improved power output, and a smaller carbon footprint, read our blog to find out more about the benefits of fuel cells for warehouses.
Fuel cells for warehouse efficiency
Our IE-POWER 1 fuel cell module is an ideal solution for materials handling, increasing truck optimisation and productivity with its ‘plug and play’ design.
Reduced downtime
On average, it can take 30 minutes per truck, per shift to complete a battery swap when using lead acid battery technology. Across an entire fleet, this can create high levels of idle time reducing productivity and %OEE. Compare this to the 90 seconds per shift it takes to refuel a hydrogen fuel cell system, and downtime can be cut significantly.
Consistent power output
Fuel cells deliver a consistent power output meaning that peak performance is maintained for as long as there is fuel (hydrogen) in the tank.
By eliminating voltage drop, also known as ‘’battery droop’’, experienced with Lead Acid technology and minimising the time needed for battery swaps or recharging, materials handling (MHE) fleet operators can consistently achieve more per shift with fuel cells.
Remove or reduce the need for charging areas
Due to charging infrastructure and spares storage, batteries can take up a lot of valuable floor space in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. In contrast, as only one fuel cell power pack is required per truck, and a single refilling station can serve many, the use of internal warehouse space is much more efficient. As a result, converting to fuel cells can free up space for warehouse operations and reduce the number of unnecessary spares needed to be stored.
Fuel cells for warehouse sustainability
Warehouses using fuel cells are likely to align with environmental regulations, like the Environment Act 2021, more easily. They can also contribute to both Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emission reductions when using green hydrogen. This is key as more businesses are searching for routes to net zero operations.
Fuel cells produce zero emissions in use and if green hydrogen is produced using on-site renewable electricity, this improves energy security and can offer significant cost and further carbon savings.
Other benefits of fuel cells for warehouses
Operational flexibility
Fuel cells offer scalability and modularity, allowing several to be combined in a single system to meet a variety of power demands. This makes them suitable for larger MHE in a multitude of settings.
Cost benefits
There are lower operational costs associated with the use of fuel cells in comparison to batteries over time due to reduced downtime, lower maintenance requirements, and less frequent replacements.
Fuel cells are also more energy efficient than internal combustion engines as they have minimal moving parts and convert more of the fuel’s energy directly into electricity, rather than losing it as heat.
With cost, efficiency, and ESG targets being critical to businesses around the globe, the transition to fuel cells can be a solution to downtime and carbon emissions in warehouse and logistics operations.
If you’d like to find out more about how Intelligent Energy can help improve your warehouse’s efficiency and sustainability with fuel cells, please get in touch with us today. Complete our contact form or send us an email at sales@intelligent-energy.com.