Felix Heidelberg in the world-first triple-hybrid forklift.

Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH (Proton Motor) has combined a fuel cell, a battery and supercapacitors in what it says is the world's first triple-hybrid forklift system.

Proton CEO Felix Heidelberg says users can enjoy over 50% energy and cost savings over diesel forklifts using the hybrid power system.

Heidelberg claims the company is a pioneer in combining a fuel cell system with batteries and supercapacitors that previously were unable to cover energy storage demand on their own.

Both battery and supercapacitors serve as buffers for different conditions. During braking, the energy recovered will be stored in the supercapacitors, which provide peak power during acceleration and lifting. The system can provide over 30kW of peak power.

The battery complements the supercapacitors, providing energy buffering over longer periods.

An intelligent energy management system controls the power distribution between the fuel cell, supercapacitors and battery to ensure the vehicle's power demand is met in an optimum way.

The system was demonstrated on a StillR60 forklift that has been fitted with the triple-hybrid system. An earlier prototype has operated at Munich Airport until 2006.

Proton's main product for forklifts is the PM Package MH 30, which is a "plug and drive" solution. It replaces the standard battery package for a class 1 forklift with an 80V 700Ah battery. The 10kW fuel cell can power a 3-tonne forklift for up to eight hours.

Heidelberg boasts that the system eliminates long battery charging times and expensive charging stations. "Users can refuel hydrogen for a shift in one minute," he says.

"The next step will be the supply of small fleets planned from 2008.

"We expect that within two to three years, attractive commercial offers will be possible for suitable cases, even without project funding," Heidelberg says.

He adds that all fuel cell forklift applications in Europe today mostly rely on subsidies.

Proton has equipped buses with fuel cell systems. A passenger ship with the PM fuel cell hybrid system will be operating in Hamburg in the northern hemisphere autumn of next year.

Proton Motor, a subsidiary of Proton Power Systems plc, based in Puchheim, near Munich, has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since October 2006.