October 1 - The Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition is the premier U.S. conference for the fuel cell and hydrogen industry, where researchers, companies, stakeholders and customers come together to see and hear about the latest technological and commercial developments. The 2015 Fuel Cell Seminar is set for November 16-19 in Los Angeles, California, and will highlight some of the exciting advancements and deployments in the material handling industry. Fuel cell-powered forklifts are currently in operation at manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and grocery warehouses, with more than 7,700 fuel cell-powered material handling vehicles operating in 20 states across the U.S. Most recently, Home Depot deployed more than 170 in a new distributin center in Ohio. Other customers include major companies such as Walmart, Sysco, Procter & Gamble, BMW, Coca-Cola, Central Grocers, FedEx, Bridgestone, Lowes, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Honda, Kroger, Wegman's, Whole Foods, WinCo Foods, and many others. A number of companies are now repeat customers, deploying fuel cell forklifts at multiple sites around the country.
The business case is becoming clear - compared to battery-powered material handling vehicles, fuel cells offer longer runtime, higher efficiency and faster refueling. Companies gain back warehouse space previously used for battery storage and changing and report increased worker productivity, since there is no voltage sag or power droop and forklift operators can quickly refuel with hydrogen and be back on the warehouse floor in minutes.
Government studies also boost the case for fuel cells. The U.S. Department of Energy's
National Renewable Energy Laboratory performed an analysis of total cost of ownership and
Argonne National Laboratory compared fuel source and emissions. Fuel cells come out ahead in both.
As the technology proves itself in warehouses, the markets for fuel cells are expanding to other material handling vehicles. Currently there are demonstrations of fuel cell-powered ground service equipment and baggage tow tractors at airports, drayage and delivery trucks, and refrigerated transport, as well as purchases of fuel cell-powered order pickers.
The Fuel Cell Seminar is the best place to learn more about fuel cells - what they are, how they work, and how they can improve your company's carbon footprint AND bottom line. The 2015 event will feature:
- High-level plenary speakers providing the latest progress on this exciting industry - this year includes the CEO of the Port of Long Beach;
- In-depth sessions, workshops, and short courses on momentum in fuel cell and hydrogen markets, policies, codes and standards, and research and development efforts;
- A packed Exhibit Hall of companies showcasing new products;
- Numerous networking opportunities during Receptions, Breaks, and other events; and
- An opportunity to drive the latest fuel cell electric vehicles from top auto manufacturers at the Ride & Drive.
Attendees, speakers and exhibitors span the full global industry supply chain, including fuel cell materials, components and systems manufacturers, hydrogen producers and fuel distributors, government laboratories, federal and state government agencies policy makers, allied trade associations, utilities, and end users.
The
2015 conference program includes the following material handling topics in track presentations:
- NACCO/Hyster-Yale Material Handling's acquisition of Nuvera Fuel Cells
- Fuel cell auxiliary power units (APU) to power truck refrigeration units (TRUs)
- Fuel cell systems running on standard diesel fuel
- Direct methanol fuel cells for material handling
Registration for the 2015 Fuel Cell Seminar and Energy Exposition is now open. Join us in Los Angeles to learn more about how fuel cells can help your business reduce emissions while increasing reliability, productivity and sustainability.
For more information on the Fuel Cell Seminar visit: www.fuelcellseminar.com or send an email. Connect with FCS&EE!
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter