Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Project (archive)
The City of Santa Clarita is located in a wildfire prone area and experiences strong winds. As a result, Southern California Edison over the past few years has initiated more than ten Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) affecting thousands of residents as well as critical City infrastructure such as traffic signals. While the City has equipped nearly all of its 204 traffic signals with battery backup systems, these batteries are designed to keep signals operating for short-term power interruptions lasting a few hours. PSPS events on average have lasted 24 to 48 hours, far exceeding the range of traditional battery backup systems. Due to this limitation, every PSPS event requires hundreds of hours of staff time to coordinate and install portable stop signs and generators at intersections to preserve public safety. City staff researched alternative power technologies and identified a system that utilizes hydrogen fuel cell technology to keep signals […]