ready4newideas • 45 minutes ago Flag 0users liked this postsusers disliked this posts0Reply Press Release: Plug Power Receives NYSERDA Funding to Evaluate Use of Fuel Cells for Delivery of Perishables Last update: 13/11/2013 7:00:03 am Plug Power Receives NYSERDA Funding to Evaluate Use of Fuel Cells for Delivery of Perishables Clean, Hydrogen-Based Energy Will Replace Diesel Generator to Power Freight Truck Refrigeration Unit Over One-Year Testing Period LATHAM, N.Y., Nov. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq:PLUG) has received funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to demonstrate the viability of replacing diesel generators with hydrogen fuel cells for powering transport refrigeration units (TRUs) on trailers hauled by trucks that deliver perishable goods. Plug Power was selected by NYSERDA to develop a fuel cell and interconnect hardware, which provides connection to refrigeration unit equipment, based on its GenDrive(R) fuel cell architecture. The Plug Power TRU fuel cell will power a Carrier Transicold refrigeration unit for the Sysco Corp. distribution center in Long Island, NY, for 12 months. Hydrogen will be supplied by Air Products. Successful completion of this trial is expected to open the door to hydrogen fuel cell expansion into the refrigerated transport market -- employing clean energy to regulate cold temperatures for fresh and frozen foods, such as produce, dairy products, meats, ice cream and other items while enroute to grocery warehouses, distribution centers and retail destinations. Most of the 300,000 TRUs in operation across the U.S. today are powered by diesel, which is expensive and environmentally hazardous due to the emission of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx). In the course of one day, a typical TRU can consume about 10 gallons of diesel and emit 101 kg of carbon dioxide (CO(2) ). This is in stark contrast to Plug Power hydrogen fuel cells, which have zero CO(2) emissions, and release only a small amount of heat and water. Plug Power received $500,000 from NYSERDA to pursue this demonstration project.
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