The Zweig Education Building Stationary Fuel Cell

The Schatz Energy Research Center recently installed a 1.5-kW stationary fuel cell system that helps power the Zweig Education Building at SunLine Transit Agency's headquarters in Thousand Palms, California.

The fuel cell system (photo) includes three major components. 1) In the center is the stack, mounted on a shelving unit along with its air blower, cooling equipment, and an AC inverter; 2) to the left is the control and monitoring system; 3) the hydrogen storage cabinet stands on the right. The cabinet (photo) can accommodate two hydrogen cylinders. A computer monitor next to the fuel cell system displays real-time fuel cell operating data and an animated schematic of the fuel cell stack.

The 48-cell proton exchange membrane stack (shown at right) incorporates design features developed and patented by SERC. The hydrogen used to power this system is produced from solar energy at the adjacent Schatz Hydrogen Generation Center .

This system powers lighting, a computer and projector, and other plug loads at the Zweig building. The Zweig building is an integral part of SunLine's alternative transportation fuels education and outreach efforts. It complements other SERC/SunLine collaborations based at SunLine headquarters, including a hydrogen-powered vehicle fleet and the Schatz Hydrogen Generation Center.

			Viewing window into the Zweig fuel cell system
	Gas storage area showing the hydrogen cylinders that supply the fuel cell system with hydrogen