HYMAX
1.1kw Fuel Cell
Backup Power System
5+Days of Backup Power
Reliable Backup Power for ITS and Critical Infrastructure.
Hydrogen fuel cell backup power is a decentralized way to keep critical electrical loads running during grid outages using stored hydrogen and a fuel cell stack—without combustion, and with water + heat as the primary byproducts. For transportation agencies and municipalities, this means predictable, long-duration backup power for signalized intersections and ITS cabinets when the grid is down.
HyMax sets the standard for hydrogen fuel cell innovation, delivering dependable, zero-emission backup power designed for the evolving needs of smart cities and critical infrastructure.
What this is: the HyMax 1.1 kW system is a turnkey PEM (proton exchange membrane) hydrogen fuel cell backup power system that is built for roadside, cabinet-based deployments where uptime matters.
How it works: when utility power fails, stored compressed hydrogen is fed through the PEM fuel cell stacks to produce DC electricity for critical loads and/or to support the site battery system—without the noise, exhaust, and maintenance profile of combustion generators.
HyMax fuel cell technology is built to the highest standards, delivering reliable, clean and cost-effective backup power solutions. It has been proven over a wide spread of global deployments across multiple sectors and in all types of climates. Designed as a turnkey hydrogen fuel cell backup power system, the HyMax solution offers silent, zero-emission operation ideal for off-grid and urban-critical power applications. The HyMax 1.1kW system is developed specifically for transportation engineers and municipalities, and keeps signalized intersections and ITS cabinets operational through prolonged power disruptions.
Why PEM for backup power: PEM fuel cells are widely used in backup applications because they can respond quickly to outages and perform across a broad temperature range this makes them ideal for roadside infrastructure.
Core components you’re getting in a hydrogen fuel cell backup power system: fuel cell stack modules, compressed hydrogen storage cylinders, pressure regulation + safety relief devices, leak detection sensors, controls/telemetry, and power electronics that integrate with the cabinet’s DC bus and battery backup system.
- Ideal for critical traffic signal intersections and ITS loads up to 1100 W
- Small footprint with industry first vertical mounted fuel cell chassis
- Days to weeks of runtime at an affordable price
- Quiet and clean, green power with zero emissions
- Seamlessly integrates with existing site battery backup
- NEMA rated cabinet with optional battery backup enclosure
Operating temperature range : −40°F to 122°F (−40°C to 50°C), enabling cold-weather and hot-desert deployments. Noise : 65 dBA at 1.5 m when ducted outside, supporting use in urban and residential-adjacent corridors.
This PEM-based fuel cell solution is tailored for intelligent transportation systems (ITS), roadside cabinets, and other high-availability infrastructure requiring dependable and renewable power. HyMax enables municipalities to modernize without compromising on sustainability or reliability. Trusted by public works departments across California, Arizona, and Nevada for ensuring uptime at vulnerable intersections.
Keep intersections and ITS equipment running during extended outages with green power.
Long-duration backup power starts with known hydrogen consumption and known storage energy. Published fuel consumption is 65 g/kWh, which can be converted into practical planning numbers for engineering and operations teams.
Hydrogen-powered backup systems provide a reliable alternative to diesel generators, ensuring your signalized intersections remain operational during grid disruptions. Whether you’re preparing for wildfires, rolling blackouts, or PSPS shutdowns, HyMax ensures traffic flow and public safety stay uninterrupted. The HyMax system plays a crucial role in local emergency preparedness plans.
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- 1.1kW power rating
- Most widely deployed PEM fuel cell nationally & globally
- Small, compact footprint
- Industry first vertical mount chassis
- Dual fuel cell stacks for fault tolerance
As part of our broader hydrogen fuel cell systems platform, this backup unit supports long-duration runtime scenarios where utility power is unreliable or unavailable. Its dual-stack architecture also offers built-in redundancy—ideal for critical signal operations that can’t go offline.
HyMax Fuel Cell System Dimensions
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Overall Dimensions:
37” W x 77” H x 30” D -
Base Dimensions:
24” W x 77” H x 30” D - Caltrans 332S cabinet houses (6) 2265 psi steel hydrogen storage cylinder
- 2 piggy-back NEMA rated cabinets house the fuel cell chassis and BBS
Every HyMax hydrogen fuel cell backup power system is engineered for field-deployable performance, weather resistance, and low maintenance, making it ideal for transportation and smart city infrastructure. All components are built to meet or exceed Caltrans and NEMA standards, ensuring compatibility and durability in roadside deployments.
Hydrogen fuel cell backup power vs. diesel generators :
• Noise: fuel cells avoid the typical loud acoustic profile of diesel gensets.
• Local air quality: point-of-use operation produces no NOₓ/PM, supporting urban corridors and air-quality constrained regions.
• Maintenance: fewer moving parts can reduce service calls versus combustion generators .
• Resilience: multi-day runtime from stored hydrogen supports prolonged outages (wildfires/PSPS/rolling blackouts).
FAQ—Hydrogen Fuel Cell Backup Power for ITS:
How much hydrogen does the HyMax system use?
Consumption is 65 g/kWh, which converts to ~0.0715 kg/hour at 1.1 kW continuous load.
How long can it run?
Runtime ranges from ~2 days at ~1 kW to ~5–6+ days at common 350–400 W cabinet loads.
Is it safe in urban roadside deployments?
Typical deployments use DOT-certified cylinders, pressure relief devices, leak detection, and shutdown logic; code compliance planning commonly references NFPA 2 and local fire/electrical codes.
What is the stack life?
Stacks are designed for lifespans exceeding 20,000 hours with proper maintenance.
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