ReportWire

Tag: Hymax

  • City of Lancaster and First Public Hydrogen Launch Hydrogen-Powered Backup Traffic Signals

    [ad_1]

    New partnership brings reliable power to intersections: boosting community safety and infrastructure resilience


    LANCASTER, Calif., October 21, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The City of Lancaster, First Public Hydrogen Authority (FPH2), and Western Systems have partnered to deploy hydrogen-powered backup traffic signals, a major infrastructure upgrade that enhances traffic safety, ensures reliable operations during power outages, and supports the City’s decarbonization initiatives. This marks the latest milestone in the City and FPH2’s work to help cities integrate hydrogen into essential public services.

    The new backup systems, powered by HyMax fuel cells, keep traffic intersections functioning during blackouts and disruptions. Conditions that are becoming increasingly common due to grid strain, wildfires, and extreme weather.

    “Lancaster has always embraced innovation when it comes to public safety and infrastructure,” said Lancaster Mayor and FPH2 Chairman R. Rex Parris. “Projects such as these reflect our commitment to practical, forward-looking investments that make life better for our residents. It is an example of how hydrogen can support vital infrastructure where it’s needed most. We’re proud to partner to launch this in Lancaster and provide a practical solution that keeps traffic flowing and communities protected.”

    HyMax fuel cells, manufactured by Western Systems, are designed for long runtime and minimal maintenance. With no internal moving parts and a compact footprint, the systems provide a dependable alternative to diesel generators for traffic management and other critical services.

    The backup signal installation is part of a broader strategy to deploy hydrogen across Lancaster’s municipal systems, including transportation, emergency services, and utility operations. Through collaboration with FPH2, the city is advancing a hydrogen model that supports reliability, safety, and operational continuity.

    FPH2 is working with cities to integrate hydrogen in ways that deliver tangible value. This project demonstrates the role hydrogen can play in supporting core municipal functions, from traffic safety to emergency response, while delivering real value to communities. Formed by the City of Lancaster and the City of Industry as a public Joint Powers Authority, FPH2 connects hydrogen producers with reliable off-takers through a seamless, transparent process.

    Through its Joint Powers Authority structure, FPH2 enables public agencies to access shared tools for procurement, technical planning, and infrastructure deployment at no cost to participants. The organization continues to invite cities, transit providers, and local utilities to explore how hydrogen can strengthen their operations.

    About the City of Lancaster
    Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster is a national leader in sustainability and was the first city in the world to declare itself a Hydrogen City. Located in northern Los Angeles County, the city is known for its commitment to innovation, renewable energy, and public-private partnerships that serve the community.

    Learn more at www.cityoflancasterca.org.

    About First Public Hydrogen (FPH2)
    First Public Hydrogen (FPH2) is the nation’s first public hydrogen utility-a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that connects hydrogen producers with public and private end users through a transparent, cost-effective platform. FPH2 is building a shared hydrogen ecosystem that enables municipalities, water and transit agencies, and businesses to access clean hydrogen for fuel and operations. Through centralized procurement and planning, FPH2 lowers barriers to entry and helps scale hydrogen adoption statewide and beyond.

    Learn more at www.firstpublich2.com.

    About HyMax
    HyMax is a hydrogen-powered backup system that provides reliable, zero-emissions energy for critical infrastructure. Manufactured by Western Systems, HyMax is designed to keep intersections powered during outages, offering cities a low-maintenance solution for traffic resilience.

    Learn more at hymax-inc.com.

    Source: Western Systems

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Caltrans Validates Hydrogen Fuel Cell System for Extended Intersection Uptime During Emergencies

    [ad_1]

    EQASI-led testing confirms the system’s potential to maintain traffic signal operation in high-priority and outage-prone locations across California.


    SACRAMENTO, Calif., August 14, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is advancing its emergency preparedness efforts through the successful evaluation of a hydrogen fuel cell backup power system, tested for use at critical signalized intersections during extended power outages.

    As part of its commitment to improving emergency response and transportation system resilience, Caltrans conducted a formal lab evaluation of the system at its Translab facility in Sacramento. The test was led by the Electrical Quality Assurance and Source Inspection (EQASI) branch, which confirmed uninterrupted operation for 5 days and 18 hours under a consistent electrical load-a major increase from the 4-hour average provided by traditional battery backup systems.

    “Our role is to make sure devices function as expected under the conditions they’ll actually face – whether that’s extreme heat, power loss, or emergency response scenarios. The goal is reliability in all conditions across the State of California. When these systems go into the field, they impact the safety of everyone. That’s what drives the precision in our process,”said Justin Ellis, P.E., Branch Chief of Electrical Quality Assurance and Source Inspection.

    The hydrogen fuel cell system evaluated in this study was supplied by Western Systems and is known as HyMax. Designed to support traffic cabinet operations using compressed hydrogen and a fuel cell engine, the system offers a site-specific solution for intersections where extended outages could compromise safety or mobility. It has already been deployed at more than 50 locations throughout California.

    “We’re proud to collaborate with Caltrans on solutions that improve system resilience across the state,”said Zach Hoiting, Senior Vice President at Western Systems. “The HyMax system was developed to serve real-world transportation needs-ensuring uninterrupted signal operations in the places and moments that matter most.”

    Caltrans identified the need for longer-duration backup systems as part of its broader effort to protect evacuation routes, maintain school zone safety, and ensure reliable access in rural corridors. Through its New Product Evaluation Program (NPEP), Caltrans vets new technologies for use on the state highway system with a focus on public safety and field performance.

    The successful validation of this hydrogen-based system reflects Caltrans’s leadership in integrating innovative technologies that strengthen infrastructure reliability, helping California communities stay safe, connected, and prepared during emergencies.

    Caltrans’s Commitment to Public Safety
    Caltrans continues to prioritize public safety through the evaluation and integration of emerging technologies that strengthen California’s transportation infrastructure. By identifying solutions that extend signal uptime during wildfires, storms, or other emergencies, the department supports statewide evacuation plans, school zone protection, and mobility in rural corridors. The use of clean energy systems such as hydrogen fuel cells aligns with broader state goals for sustainability and resilience.

    EQASI’s Role in Innovation and Assurance
    The Electrical Quality Assurance and Source Inspection (EQASI) branch of Caltrans’ Materials Engineering & Testing Services (METS) division led the evaluation of the HyMax system. EQASI plays a vital role in verifying that contractor-furnished materials meet project specifications and Caltrans standards. Through its work in the New Product Evaluation Program (NPEP), EQASI ensures that new technologies are carefully assessed for safety, reliability, and field readiness before being introduced into the transportation network.

    Western Systems and the HyMax System
    Western Systems supplied the hydrogen fuel cell system evaluated during this testing. Known as HyMax, the system is designed to provide extended-duration backup power to traffic signal cabinets using compressed hydrogen and a fuel cell engine. While not intended as a replacement for standard battery backup systems, HyMax may serve as an effective site-specific enhancement in areas where longer run times are critical to public safety. The system has already been deployed at more than 50 locations throughout California, supporting agency readiness and uninterrupted signal operation during prolonged power outages.

    Source: Western Systems

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • San Joaquin County Initiates Resilience Strategy for Emergency-Ready Infrastructure

    [ad_1]

    A Model for Proactive, Resilient, and Sustainable Transportation for Emergency-Ready Infrastructure


    STOCKTON, Calif., March 12, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    San Joaquin County, CA, with wildfires, extreme weather events, and more frequent power outages, San Joaquin County has taken a proactive approach to emergency preparedness in its transportation strategy. Ensuring that roadways remain functional during crises is a top priority, particularly for critical intersections and evacuation routes.

    The Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) and Regional Resiliency Implementation Plan, developed by the San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG), provide the framework for long-term resilience, focusing on:

    • Strengthening emergency evacuation routes through resilient traffic infrastructure.

    • Ensuring power backup at intersections to prevent traffic signal failures during outages.

    • Investing in innovative transportation solutions that enhance efficiency and safety for all road users.

    By integrating these strategies, San Joaquin County creates a more adaptable transportation network that prioritizes public safety, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency.

    “San Joaquin County’s goal is to ensure that every intersection in the County functions reliably, even in the most challenging conditions. Over the years, we have seen the importance of long-term, sustainable solutions. By leveraging innovative traffic signal power management approaches, we have significantly reduced the risk of uncontrolled intersections, allowing emergency responders and the public to navigate safely during outages,” said San Joaquin County Road Maintenance Superintendent, Troy Botts

    Building Resilient Infrastructure to Endure Power Outages

    Traffic engineers and public works officials have faced challenges keeping traffic signals operational during prolonged power failures for years. Traditional solutions-such as diesel generators and battery backup systems (BBS)- experience their limitations. Diesel Generators – Require fuel supply logistics, produce high emissions, and need ongoing maintenance; while BBS are cleaner, they have a limited lifespan, providing four to six hours of power.

    Recognizing these limitations, San Joaquin County deployed 31 HyMax hydrogen fuel cell backup systems across key intersections between 2022 and 2024. These systems offer:

    • 5+ days of runtime, far exceeding traditional BBS capabilities.

    • A clean, silent, and fuel-independent solution, eliminating reliance on diesel.

    • Integration with cellular remote monitoring, reducing maintenance response times.

    • Environmentally friendly operation, as hydrogen fuel cells produce zero emissions, helping San Joaquin County meet sustainability goals.

    In 2024, the technology was successfully tested, operating during an outage, providing uninterrupted power at critical intersections, and proving its long-term reliability under real-world emergencies.

    Safety First
    Modern hydrogen fuel cell systems are built with rigorous safety protocols and extensively tested to meet the highest standards. Research from agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has demonstrated that hydrogen is a safe and reliable fuel source in modern systems. San Joaquin’s deployment of HyMax reflects its confidence in this technology’s reliability and safety, strengthening public trust in sustainable infrastructure solutions.

    Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation Route Security

    Beyond daily traffic management, functional intersections are critical for evacuation routes during disasters such as wildfires and floods. In emergencies, traffic signal failures can lead to congestion, panic, and delays for first responders. By equipping key intersections with HyMax backup power, San Joaquin County has:

    • Secured evacuation corridors to ensure safe and orderly movement.

    • Enabled first responders to navigate freely without traffic disruptions.

    • Maintained traffic control, reducing accident risks in high-stress situations.

    • Reduced the county’s carbon footprint, aligning with broader sustainability initiatives.

    These efforts align with the county’s broader emergency response strategy, ensuring that roadways are functional and optimized for crisis conditions.

    A Model for Resilient and Sustainable Transportation Planning

    San Joaquin County‘s focus on emergency-ready and environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure is a model for other municipalities seeking to enhance disaster resilience and sustainability. The combination of long-duration hydrogen fuel cell backups, smart monitoring, and strategic planning results in:

    • Reduced accident risks and improved public safety.

    • Lower operational costs for emergency maintenance.

    • Greater resilience in the face of extreme weather and power grid instability.

    • Advancements in sustainable energy use, helping the county reduce its carbon footprint.

    For other counties and cities, this case study demonstrates a scalable, effective approach to ensuring road safety, reducing emergency response burdens, and maintaining mobility under the most challenging conditions-all while embracing sustainability.

    By prioritizing proactive and green infrastructure planning, San Joaquin County is setting the benchmark for transportation resilience-keeping roads open, safe, and efficient while reducing environmental impact.

    Zach L. Hoiting, Senior Vice President at Western Systems:

    “The devastation caused by recent wildfires in Southern California underscores the urgent need for resilient infrastructure. In moments of crisis, operational intersections are not just a convenience-they are a lifeline for emergency responders and evacuees. San Joaquin County’s proactive approach to strategic planning, sustainable technology, and forward-thinking infrastructure sets a high standard for disaster preparedness, ensuring that communities remain connected and safe when it matters most.”

    Contact Information

    Svitlana Lebedieva
    Markting Manager
    slebedieva@mcsmgmt.com
    2068498147

    Source: Western Systems

    [ad_2]

    Source link