May 30, 2023
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has collaborated with various agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense, and Cummins, Inc., to develop and test an advanced hydrogen fuel cell truck prototype named "H2Rescue."
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has collaborated with various agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense, and Cummins, Inc., to develop and test an advanced hydrogen fuel cell truck prototype named "H2Rescue." This hydrogen fuel cell/battery hybrid vehicle is designed to be driven to disaster recovery sites, providing on-site power for up to 72 hours without the need for refueling. The H2Rescue truck integrates an electric drivetrain, a hydrogen fuel cell, and a hydrogen storage system combined with high-energy-density lithium-ion battery packs, enabling it to operate as a self-propelled electric generator. This prototype can deliver up to 25 kilowatts of export power, sufficient to power 20 average U.S. homes, lights at a shelter, or a communications trailer. The system operates with minimal noise and is environmentally friendly, producing only water and heat as byproducts. The H2Rescue truck is a pioneering vehicle, showcasing the potential of new technologies in emergency response scenarios. Future applications might also harness the water and heat byproducts of the hydrogen fuel cell. The project has completed its final design review and has undergone field testing in Sacramento, CA, with upcoming tests planned for Fort Carson, CO, and a demonstration in Washington, DC. The initiative aims to offer emergency power using green energy, providing a glimpse into the capabilities of future technologies for the homeland security and emergency management communities.
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