Home Hydrogen Refueling Technology from Honda

More compact and efficient than two previous Home Energy Station models, this third-generation unit uses natural gas as its base energy source, thereby providing high overall energy efficiency and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

"The third generation of Honda's Home Energy Station continues to push the limits with its innovative technology," said Ben Knight, vice president of Honda R&D Americas. "The combination of home energy generation and home refueling offers an attractive alternative to gasoline and takes us one step closer to a truly viable hydrogen-based transportation system."

The Home Energy Station III is roughly 30 percent smaller than its predecessors with an approximate 25 percent increase in electrical power output. Plus, hydrogen storage and production capacity are both improved by about 50 percent with the use of a new, high-performance, natural gas reformer. It is designed to work in a home-based refueling environment and can supply a sufficient amount of hydrogen to power a fuel cell vehicle (such as the Honda FCX) for daily operation while providing electricity for an average-sized household.

The Home Energy Station III is also able to function as a backup power generation system during power outages by using the hydrogen in the storage tank to power the internal fuel cell, providing as much as 5 kW of electrical power to the home in normal and emergency conditions.

The Home Energy Station III will be tested in conjunction with the Honda FCX, an advanced fuel cell vehicle, at Honda R&D Americas Torrance, California, headquarters.