Hydrogen Mobile Equipment: DG Series Solenoid Valve for Fuel Cells
Hydrogen Mobile Equipment Runs on Uptime. So Should Your Hydrogen Valve
Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts earned adoption in high-utilization warehouses for a simple reason: they keep fleets moving. Operators can refuel in ~2–3 minutes, avoid long charging windows, and maintain consistent performance across shifts.
Those same uptime drivers now apply to other closed-loop, multi-shift mobile equipment, from warehouse robotics to airport ramp vehicles. When fuel cell systems scale to these applications, hydrogen flow control becomes a critical safety function, and the choice of solenoid valve matters.
This application note highlights where hydrogen is gaining traction and how the Gems DG Series Solenoid Valve fits as a main shutoff or purge valve in mobile fuel cell balance-of-plant (BOP) systems.
Where are hydrogen fuel cells used?
1) Forklifts & warehouse lift trucks (material handling equipment)
Hydrogen fuel cells are most widely used in high-utilization forklift fleets, especially in multi-shift distribution centers and cold storage, because they combine electric-drive operation with fast refueling (~2–3 minutes) and consistent power output throughout a shift. Industry coverage notes that fuel cells maintain steady performance in below-freezing environments and avoid the productivity losses tied to battery charging or change-outs, which is why cold storage has been a strong adoption segment.
From a system design standpoint, forklift fuel cell balance-of-plant (BoP) requires reliable hydrogen flow control for safe starts/stops and purge sequences. Gems highlights the DG Series Solenoid Valve for forklift fuel cell hydrogen flow control, calling out hydrogen-compatible construction, high flow capacity, and up to 900 PSI MOPD capability for regulated sections of the fuel delivery path.
2) Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) & warehouse mobile robots
High-duty AGV fleets are increasingly evaluated on availability. BMW’s Leipzig plant has deployed 130 hydrogen fuel cell AGVs powered by Intelligent Energy, with the company citing higher availability and the ability to reduce fleet size by roughly ~20% due to reduced downtime.
3) Airport ground support equipment (GSE)
Airports need rugged, always-ready equipment (tow tractors, loaders, tugs). Schiphol’s TULIPS program is deploying hydrogen-powered tow tractors in daily operations, demonstrating how hydrogen can support airside uptime while reducing local emissions.
4) Port & terminal yard tractors (shunt trucks)
Ports run heavy cycles with frequent starts/stops and high loads. For these duty cycles, the value case for hydrogen is often tied to rapid refueling and consistent power delivery (similar to multi-shift lift-truck logic).
Why is the DG Series a strong fit for hydrogen mobile fuel cell systems?
1) Built for hydrogen flow control in fuel cell applications
Gems specifically positions the DG Series as compatible with hydrogen fuel cell systems, using stainless construction and seals appropriate for hydrogen service in compact mobile platforms.
2) Pressure capability for the regulated (medium-pressure) side
Mobile hydrogen storage can be very high pressure, but fuel cell delivery is regulated down before entering the stack. The DG Series supports a Max Operating Pressure Differential (MOPD) of up to 900 PSI (62 bar) and offers a broad Cv range for system tuning.
3) High-flow options for dynamic demand
DG Series supports orifice sizes up to 3/8 in., meeting higher flow requirements during peak duty cycles (lift, pushback, acceleration).
4) Mobile-ready packaging (moisture and durability features)
Gems highlights encapsulated coil options and long-life cycling performance for harsh environments and repeated actuation typical in mobile equipment.
Where does the DG Series typically go in the system?
Common placements in mobile fuel cell balance-of-plant include:
- Main Fuel Shutoff Valve: Isolates the hydrogen supply for safety events, maintenance, and controlled startup/shutdown.
- Purge Valve: Supports purge sequences and water management strategies used in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems.
Quick spec checklist:
When selecting a hydrogen solenoid valve for mobile fuel cells, confirm:
- MOPD / operating differential pressure: Up to 900 PSI available in DG Series
- Flow (Cv/orifice): Broad Cv range and up to 3/8 in. orifice options
- Materials & sealing: Stainless construction + hydrogen-compatible seals as configured
- Coil/electrical integration: Multiple coil constructions and voltages available
Designing or upgrading a hydrogen fuel cell system for mobile equipment (AGVs, GSE, yard tractors, or forklifts)?
Gems can help you select a DG Series configuration for shutoff or purge duty based on your pressure stage, flow targets, and electrical architecture.