Approximately 150 feet long and situated in the parking area of the NextEnergy Center in Detroit, Michigan – the only such facility in the state located in an urban area – NextEnergy’s Alternative Fuels Platform (AFP) offers a distinctive and high-profile glimpse into the present and future possibilities of alternative energy and fuels technology. more...
The AFP was developed in five phases. During Phase 1, NextEnergy put its high-level conceptual plan into action and completed a temporary AFP that provided hydrogen to the NEC Microgrid Pavilion. In Phase 2 it commissioned Kahn to commence the construction document phase that resulted in the development of the hydrogen dispensing station, or Vehicle Fueling Station (VFS), located at the south end of the platform. Following Phase 2’s demonstrated ability to effectively store, compress, and dispense hydrogen, Phases 3 and 4 involved the creation of five individual test bays, where comprehensive research and development efforts focus on various methods of producing and capturing hydrogen from other sources. Phase 5 concerned the installation of the initial demonstration of a hydrogen generation technology.
Kahn and NextEnergy designed and implemented exceptional safety precautions that more than answered concerns raised by public authorities apprehensive about installing this kind of facility within a dense urban environment. Infrared cameras detect the presence of flames, including difficult to detect hydrogen flames, and gas detectors that monitor the presence of combustible gases. Both detection systems automatically shut down the dispenser if any hazard is detected.
Kahn provided design services and worked with DMA Technical Services, Inc., to provide engineering services for the AFP.
