Ballard's Mark 1020 ACS fuel cell products

Ballard Power Systems will provide its Mark 1020 ACS fuel cell product to be integrated into IdaTech plc's 250 watt iGen power supply under a three-year agreement.

Ida Tech's next-generation 250 watt iGen fuel cell power supply is designed as an auxiliary power unit for applications that could potentially include recreational vehicles and telecommunications backup power.

The supply agreement will generate about 100 fuel cell product unit shipments from Ballard to IdaTech in the first year with the potential for over 1,000 units over the full term of the agreement.

Ballard's chief customer officer, Noordin Nanji, says the agreement shows progress in the market adoption of Ballard's fuel cell products.

"This new strategic relationship with IdaTech broadens our market focus with an important new fuelling solution and deepens our market traction by establishing another important customer relationship in the fuel cell backup power market," Nanji says.

IdaTech CEO Hal Koyama says the company selected Ballard's Mark 1020 ACS fuel cell stack for its overall performance, reliability and price.

Nanji says auxiliary and back up power solutions based on fuel cell technology deliver advantages over conventional batteries and diesel generators, including higher reliability, lower maintenance costs, longer operating life and reduced size, weight, installation footprint and environmental footprint.

IdaTech of Bend, Oregon, US, is a fuel cell solutions developer for telecommunication, commercial and industrial backup power.