The University of Hartford in Connecticut and HyAxiom, a global fuel cell and hydrogen solutions provider, have partnered to install four stationary fuel cells on the southeastern side of the campus.
The power plants are HyAxiom's flagship product, the PureCell M400, a proprietary phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) that produces clean energy and heat with a reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional power plants. The PAFC also features the capability of being able to easily convert to use hydrogen as a fuel.
"We at the University of Hartford are thrilled to see the completion of this exciting project that will result in positive environmental impacts to our campus, surrounding neighborhoods, and communities," says University of Hartford Acting President Stephen Mulready. "While we anticipate significant savings in energy costs over the months and years to come, what the fuel cell means in terms of our future sustainability goals is even more exciting."
The University's fuel cell units are not only expected to generate 1.8 MW and reduce the load on the electrical grid serving the campus but also minimize the interruptions during times of peak electricity demand. Additionally, the University can utilize the heat byproduct from the units for the nearby East Hall in the future.
HyAxiom's fuel cells are a resilient source of energy that help mitigate energy capacity and reliability challenges while adjusting its power output as demand for electricity fluctuates throughout the day - also known as load-following. The low emissions from the cells also help improve air quality and greenhouse gas targets found in existing electrical architecture.
The University of Hartford is accepting the clean energy educational opportunities provided by the fuel cells, and in the summer of 2024, University students will have the opportunity to visit the site and learn more about the alternative energy source and how it relates to campus sustainability efforts.
DESA Service, a subsidiary of Doosan Energy Solutions America, is the owner and operator of the project.
