Dutch supplier zepp.solutions is using its fuel cell system for the first time in the construction machinery industry for two Liebherr excavators that were converted from diesel to hydrogen power. Specifically, two 916 Litronic excavators were converted under the direction of Terberg Techniek with a fuel cell system and a hydrogen storage unit from zepp.solutions. According to the Dutchman, the FC system installed is the same type (“Y50”) used on the H2 water taxi in Rotterdam, which went into operation last year.
The two excavators belonged to Dutch construction company Jos Scholman. After they were built, they were tested for six months, according to the statement. As a result of these tests, project participants stated that the dredger was reliable and performed as expected. The companies did not provide further technical details.
“We are delighted to see our fuel cell system being used to retrofit these Liebherr excavators and play a role in helping the construction equipment industry reduce carbon emissions,” commented Kevin Schreiber, co-founder of zepp.solutions. “At zepp.solutions we are committed to delivering innovative, reliable and cost-effective fuel cell technology to a wide range of industries, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Terberg Techniek on future projects.”
Because it’s not limited to just two hydrogen excavators: Conversion specialist Terberg Techniek is said to have developed a conversion kit around the FC system from zepp.solutions, which is not limited to the types of excavators already implemented. With this, the duo “also plan to convert other construction machinery from diesel to hydrogen-electric drive”.
According to zepp.solutions, the Y50 fuel cell system is characterized by an extremely compact and highly integrated design. PEM fuel cell system solutions include all the components, subsystems and control software needed to convert hydrogen into electricity with maximum efficiency and operational stability. In this way the system has proven itself in the material handling and maritime sectors – both for original equipment manufacturers and processors.
