*** Due to the lack of funding, the hydrogen filling station has been closed effective July 1, 2010.***

The University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) and the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) have worked with several other entities to build a solar powered Hydrogen Filling Station. The goal is to create hydrogen from a renewable resource for use at the LVVWD and Desert Springs Preserve. The hydrogen will be used by utility vehicles that have been converted from traditional battery power or gasoline internal combustion to use hydrogen as fuel. The vehicle conversions were done by graduate students and researchers at UNLV.

System Layout

The hydrogen generation/distribution system is composed of an electrolyzer (Unit 1), chiller (behind Unit 1), compressor/dispenser (Unit 2), buffer tank (behind Unit 2), and an additional storage rack.

Equipment:

• Unit 1 - Proton Energy Systems FUELGEN 400 psig PEM Electrolyzer–12.9 kg/day hydrogen production (41 kW, water use 54 L/h during production),
• Unit 2 - Air Products and Chemicals 100E Compression, Storage, Dispensing Module, 6.5 kg hydrogen storage capacity (6250 psi),
• Chiller – to cool electrolyzer cell stacks and power supplies.
• Buffer Tank – 400 psig
• Additional 13 kg storage purchased by LVVWD. Total hydrogen storage approximately 21 kg.
  

  Click here for a detailed diagram of the hydrogen flow in the system

Power for this equipment is provided by a solar array capable of 16.8kWe DC (14kWe AC) output, consisting of 4 single-axis tracking units from Arizona Public Service at 4.2 kWe each. The array is connected to the grid with "Net Metering", such that excess power generated is credited for use at night or during cloudy days. The annual expected energy generation is approximated at 37,00 kWh.

Click here for a detailed diagram of the flow of electricity to and from the system