California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) has secured a $345,000 grant to develop a portable mobile fuel cell generator in partnership with RockeTruck, Inc. The project, funded through a portion of a $1.15 million Phase II grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, aims to create clean, mobile power solutions for areas without grid access.
The initiative focuses on developing a hydrogen-powered generator that can be easily transported to provide electricity during power outages or disasters, such as wildfires. Cal State LA and RockeTruck’s collaboration builds on work begun under a Phase I grant, which resulted in a prototype mobile fuel cell generator (MFCG) capable of producing 80 kilowatts (kW) of clean electricity.
In Phase II, the team plans to create a smaller, more portable version called the MFCG Mini. This version will fit in the bed of a pickup truck and feature an upgraded fuel cell with a smaller hydrogen fuel supply and a larger battery pack for backup power. The MFCG Mini will be tested as a backup power source for hydrogen fueling stations.
David Blekhman, professor of technology and technical director of Cal State LA’s Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility (HRFF), and Masood Shahverdi, professor of electrical and computer engineering, will lead the project. The MFCG Mini’s design will include system upgrades to improve performance and ensure it can safely power hydrogen fueling stations during grid outages.
This project aligns with the DOE’s goals to enhance grid reliability, provide clean power to underserved communities, and support the energy transition. The HRFF at Cal State LA continues to engage in research and outreach, benefiting students from disadvantaged communities in East Los Angeles.
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