Multiquip launches fuel cell powered lighting tower

Multiquip will launch the world's first hydrogen fuel cell powered lighting tower at the World of Concrete exhibition, being held in Las Vegas on 18-21 January. The company said it is the first of a series of fuel cell powered products that it will launch.

Fuel cells use hydrogen as the fuel source and the only by-product is pure water. Multiquip said the tower is fuel efficient, virtually pollution-free, can be operated indoors, and will operate for up to 50 hours at a noise level of 43 decibels at 7 m.

The H2LT tower also uses plasma light technology, which is filament-free, producing what Multiquip describes as a clean, natural light. The company said the plasma light bulb produces 22000 lumens, but consumes only 255 W, with a life expectancy of up to 50000 hours.

No informaton on pricing has been released, and Multiquip said prices will only be given for specific quotes because of the variation in energy and tax credits available in different US states.

Multiquip has created the new tower working with technical advisors Sandi Labs and in collaboration with California-based fuel cell supplier Altergy Systems, which is one of the leading US manufacturers of fuel cells.

"We are very excited to be introducing the hydrogen powered light tower," said Torsten Erbel, vice president product management, engineering and customer support for Multiquip.

"The implications of the product's technology beyond lighting are tremendous. 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."

The tower will be available from the second quarter of 2011. Multiquip said prototypes of the light tower are already in used with the California Department of Transportation, film and entertainment companies at high profile media events, and by NASA during the upcoming shuttle launch.

The new lighting tower will be on display at World of Concrete on Multiquip's booth (C4813).