A federal study at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla is looking at ways to use hydrogen to energise forklifts, back-up power generators, military equipment and consumer products such as cellular telephones.

"Our study is looking at general opportunities for early market deployment of fuel cells, one of which is forklifts and other material handling equipment," says Scott Grasman, associate professor of engineering management. "We will look at lessons learned and best practices related to other studies" such as the four-month 2006 beta trials involving fuel cells on 12 Crown Equipment Corp forklifts in service at two Ohio distribution centers of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

"Researchers see the forklift industry as one of the leaders in the adoption of fuel cells," notes Grasman, a lead researcher. "The main reason is that the technology is currently available to provide a cost-competitive alternative to battery and other technologies."

Among the advantages for fuel cells on forklifts, Grasman tells Forkliftaction.com News is the fact that "the supporting infrastructure is not a major barrier-as compared to infrastructure for automobiles".

"Material handling equipment can potentially help the financial bottom line with the additional 'bonus' of increased productivity, less noise and less environmental impact."

Researchers are concentrating on some technology that is achievable in the short term versus more difficult barriers. In the not-too-distant future, for instance, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell-instead of a battery-might power a cell phone. But a passenger vehicle run totally on hydrogen fuel cell technology can cost anywhere from USD50,000 to USD1 million now, forming a large impediment.

Forklifts fall into a category that is more economically feasible.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is funding the study, entitled "Hydrogen Fuel Cell Analysis: Lessons Learned from Stationary Power Generation."