Crown Equipment Corp has been awarded about USD1 million from the state of Ohio to conduct fuel cell research.

The project will focus on addressing the technical and commercial barriers to the application of available battery replacement fuel cell power packs in forklifts. It will facilitate the creation and growth of fuel cell-powered materials handling equipment used in warehouses and distribution centres.

Company president Jim Dicke III says the project is important to the technological advancement of Crown forklifts.

Dicke explains that there are considerations to evaluate before a wide-range of forklifts powered by fuel cell can be offered.

"In the current design, the battery provides a counterweight to the load. Fuel cells are much lighter. We need to explore solutions and make sure all systems are compatible to ensure the critical performance characteristics of a forklift."

The performance of each unique combination of Crown's forklifts and fuel cell power will be reviewed. The study is expected to reveal the modifications required to maintain forklift functionality while complying with industry standards.

Funding for the project is provided by the Ohio Department of Development and Ohio's Third Frontier Commission.

Ohio's Third Frontier Commission has a fuel cell program providing grants to support growth of Ohio's fuel cell industry through collaborations with Ohio higher education institutions, non-profit research organisations and companies.