Multiquip Hydrogen Light Tower Featured at Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch
The launch and safe landing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis was the end of an era — the final mission of the beloved shuttle program that explored space for decades. But for Multiquip, the diverse manufacturer of world class construction products and solutions, it was also an opportunity to showcase a new generation of high-tech machinery. Multiquip’s EarthSmart H2LT hydrogen fuel cell powered light tower (H2LT) was used on the grounds of the Kennedy Space Center as the Space Shuttle Atlantis launched in July on its 135th and final mission for the NASA Space Shuttle Program.
“The H2LT lighting system was deployed to the site of the final Space Shuttle launch and observed by visitors, shuttle astronauts and members of the international media,” said Torsten Erbel, vice president of product management, engineering and customer support for Multiquip. “We are happy to provide a product that is not only environmentally friendly, but can also be utilized in a variety of industries and settings.”
The unit was used to provide lighting in the international press area, and its auxiliary power was used to recharge the camera battery packs for a number of photographers at the event. The NASA deployment was the latest in a series of high-profile test sites where the lighting system has been utilized.
Innovative by design, the Multiquip H2LT light tower is environmentally friendly and pollution-free, allowing it to be operated indoors and can be operated for up to 68 hours at a remarkable low noise level of only 43 decibels at 23 ft. Because of the load following feature of the fuel cell, power is only produced as needed, providing an unmatched fuel efficiency compared to conventional combustion engines running at full load at all times.
The system features a fuel cell running on pure hydrogen, resulting in zero-emission electrical power. The fuel cell produces electricity for an advanced, power-saving Light Emitting Plasma (LEP) lighting system and additional auxiliary power up to 2.5 kW, which allows additional equipment (such as drills, power tools, public address systems or security metal detectors) to be powered by the unit at the same time the system is providing illumination. Production of the H2LT will start in Q4 2011. Pricing for the units will be provided on a quote only basis and may vary due to the availability of energy and tax credits from different states, as well as multiple configuration options.
