Vertiv and Ballard validation of fuel cell backup power system

Vertiv, a global provider of critical infrastructure, and Ballard have successfully completed integration and system-level testing of Vertiv’s Power Module H₂ -a hydrogen-powered, zero-emission backup power solution designed to replace traditional diesel generators in data center environments.

The validation effort focused on assessing performance, control inter-operability, and electrical stability within a controlled test environment at Ballard’s facility in Hobro, Denmark. The Power Module H₂ under evaluation integrates two Ballard FCwave™ 200kW fuel cell modules forming the core of a decarbonized backup solution tailored for high-availability infrastructures.

Power Module H₂ incorporates a comprehensive system architecture, including AC power conversion, battery energy storage, heat rejection system, and an integrated plant controller that enables seamless coordination with Ballard’s fuel cell stacks. This prefabricated and factory-tested module is engineered for both greenfield deployment and retrofit scenarios, with minimal changes required to existing electrical infrastructure.

System architecture and integration

During the phased test programme, Ballard’s FCwave™ modules operated using an existing hydrogen storage and supply system, alongside advanced thermal management subsystems to ensure optimal temperature regulation under varying load conditions. A custom-designed DC/DC converter was also integrated, optimized for both space and cost efficiency, to deliver a stable and regulated DC output. This converter was fully interfaced with Ballard’s stationary power block controller, which was modified to support dynamic interactions with Vertiv’s plant-level control logic.

The test programme verified the electrical and software inter-operability between Vertiv’s power electronics and control systems and Ballard’s fuel cell hardware. All tests were conducted within a Ballard-developed microgrid testbed, which replicated real-world grid scenarios to validate performance under representative operational conditions.

Testing scope and technical outcomes

The validation plan targeted several critical performance metrics, including start-up sequencing, load response dynamics, and continuous power delivery. Key test activities included:

• • Start/Stop Sequencing
    • Simulated grid outages were used to assess system behavior under sudden load transition conditions. An AC load bank emulated real-world data center loads, and repeated cycling tested system restart reliability and control recovery.
      
      
  • Load Ramp Rate Performance
    • The system was subjected to a range of dynamic load profiles to evaluate its ability to follow sharp and gradual load changes. Ramp rate performance was measured to determine how effectively the system could maintain voltage and frequency stability
      
      
  • Output Stability and Endurance Testing
    • Continuous operation tests confirmed that the Power Module H2 could deliver stable voltage and frequency over extended durations. These tests validated fuel cell performance under sustained conditions, simulating real backup power scenarios where runtime requirements are measured in hours.

The results demonstrated successful integration and coordination between Ballard’s fuel cell technology and Vertiv’s power management infrastructure. The system achieved all target criteria for power quality, control synchronization, and dynamic response.

Ready for zero-emission datacenter deployment

The collaboration between Vertiv and Ballard is a significant advancement in the application of hydrogen-fueled backup power for data centers. The ability to deliver grid-independent, emission-free power at scale addresses both resilience and sustainability priorities, especially as operators face increased pressure to meet net-zero targets while maintaining uptime commitments.

Vertiv’s Power Module H₂ offers a prefabricated, scalable, and rapidly deployable solution that can be used in both new builds and retrofits, without requiring major rework of existing electrical infrastructure. Its modularity supports Tier-based redundancy models, while its integration of hydrogen fuel cells offers a long-duration, clean power alternative to conventional diesel gensets.