Helix Hydrogen targets warehouse fleets with on-site hydrogen
Helix Hydrogen’s starting point is a warehouse where forklifts work long hours. The company is developing technology for a proposed on-site system that would use electricity and water to produce hydrogen, store it and fuel compatible equipment. The idea is to make fuel production part of the facility rather than treat it as a separate supply decision. That could give a fleet operator another way to organize refueling, provided the technology is demonstrated and fits the site.
A fuel system for busy fleets
Helix is developing an electrolyzer, a device that uses electricity to split water and produce hydrogen. Its engineers are working at the electrode level, where the company aims to improve efficiency and stability while reducing equipment costs and making systems modular.
Helix is targeting high-utilization warehouse fleets. In a 2016 discussion, the U.S. Department of Energy said fuel-cell forklifts can refuel quickly and avoid battery changes, a consideration for equipment running two or three shifts. That comparison concerned traditional lead-acid batteries, not a test of Helix’s system.
Engineering services before equipment sales
Helix also offers feasibility and site assessments, technical advice, modeling and prototyping. An assessment could give a prospective customer a way to examine whether on-site hydrogen fits its operation before committing to equipment.
The company has an online explorer for conceptual facility configurations. It says a dedicated assessment is needed for estimates such as price, capacity and savings.