Most fuel cells are not capable of repeatedly starting air conditioning compressor or many other inductive motors without leaning on the grid. Thus, many models of residential fuel cells will be unable to serve the Gulf Coast market where summer air conditioning loads are high. To improve the suitability of fuel cells for the residential market, HARC is working to develop a simple, cost-effective load leveling device capable of serving the inrush current requirements. HARC's approach is to imbed a small, low cost flywheel within the fuel cell housing where it can be tied into the existing AC inverter electronics for ease of power extraction. A key aspect of the flywheel is the use of HARC's patented HARCwood® material, which is extremely inexpensive and allows the use of low-cost containment options. Initial studies have already proven this material in the application, so HARC is looking for development partners to integrate a working device into a fuel cell system.
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