Multiquip will introduce the industry’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered light tower, part of a planned series of hydrogen fuel cell-powered products the Carson, Calif.-based company plans to launch. The light tower is virtually pollution-free, the company said, and can be operated indoors.
The unit is designed to operate for up to 40 hours at a noise level of 43 decibels at 23 feet. The light tower uses plasma light technology that is filament-free. The plasma light bulb produces 22,000 lumens consuming only 255 watts with a life expectancy of up to 50,000 hours.
“The implications of the product’s technology beyond lighting are tremendous,” said Torsten Erbel, vice president product management, engineering and customer support for Multiquip. “It’s reliable due to the lack of moving parts; durable; does not contaminate due to fuel spills; there is very low maintenance; and it is user-friendly, using an automotive-style fuel nozzle.”
Using a process discovered more than 150 years ago, fuel cells began supplying electric power for spacecrafts in the 1960s and were pursued for commercial use in the 1970s. Fuel cells are an alternative to the internal combustion engine with an energy efficiency of more than 50 percent.
Prototypes of the light tower have been used by the California Department of Transportation, film and entertainment companies at media events and will be used by NASA during an upcoming shuttle launch.
The light tower will be on display at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, January 18-21 in booth C4813.
The products will be available in the second quarter. Pricing for the units will be provided by quote only because of the availability of energy and tax credits that vary from state to state. Multiquip also offers a variety of configuration options.
