UTC Power – part of United Technologies Corporation – has been working with BMW Group Research & Technology to develop highly efficient, zero-emission, and freeze-capable fuel cell systems.

Ken Stewart, Vice President of the UTC Power Transportation Business, says the hydrogen fuel cell system in the BMW 1 Series car represents the culmination of more than 10 years of development work on durability and freeze capability technology.

‘From a fully frozen state, the fuel cell is halfway to full power in less than 30 seconds,’ says Stewart.

Stewart continues: 'The system uses UTC Power’s proprietary ambient pressure technology, which does not require a compressor to deliver air to the cell stack. This results in a quieter, more efficient system.’

The 5 kW UTC Power fuel cell system is completely self-contained, and features simple vehicle interfaces, which allows for easy integration and installation.