The FTA has selected BAE Systems to develop advanced hydrogen fuel-cell technology on a hybrid electric transit bus. The $5.35 million FTA award is part of the agency’s National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program.
WestStart CALSTART, a non-profit organization, will distribute the award.
BAE Systems will lead the integration of the fuel-cell auxiliary power unit on a Orion VII hybrid transit bus from DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses. The diesel-electric propulsion system on the bus will be similar to those the company currently produces for North American hybrid bus fleets in New York, Toronto, and San Francisco – with the addition of a fuel cell to power some accessory systems on the bus.
The fuel cell on the demonstration bus will use hydrogen to generate power, with water the only waste product. It will support air conditioning, air compressors, power steering, cooling fans and pumps, and a 28-volt electric power generator. Switching the power source for accessories to a fuel cell allows the engine to be shut off at bus stops and traffic lights.
In addition to DaimlerChrysler, Hydrogenics, and the San Francisco Municipal Railway are working with BAE on the project.
