The H2-ICE consortium completed construction of a hydrogen internal combustion engine-powered heavy-duty vehicle and an on-site 17,000-gallon liquid H2 storage tank. These capabilities will aid the H2HD Refuel JIP’s efforts. Source | Southwest Research Institute
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.) has announced a joint industry project (JIP) that will reportedly help spur the growth and innovation of fueling technologies and infrastructure for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles.
SwRI’s H2HD REFUEL (Hydrogen Heavy Duty Refueling Equipment and Facilities Utilization evaluation Laboratory) JIP aims to strengthen the acceptance of hydrogen (H2) fuel use by heavy-duty vehicles to help the mobility industry meet its decarbonization and zero-emissions goals by advancing H2 refueling station (HRS) technologies. Over the next 4 years, SwRI researchers will use hands-on experiments, system modeling and theoretical studies to strengthen existing HRS equipment and procedures and explore potential alternatives.
“There are less than 60 H
2
refueling stations in the U.S., but only one or two currently exist that can meet the specific needs of heavy-duty H
2
-powered vehicles,” says Dr. Thomas E. Briggs Jr., Institute engineer with SwRI’s Powertrain Engineering Division. “Many light-duty H
2
stations face significant technical challenges, including supply chain issues, mechanical failures and lack of infrastructure. Considering the multimillion-dollar investment per station, these issues reflect a significant technology gap that industry and government must bridge before building additional heavy-duty refueling stations.”
The H
2
HD REFUEL JIP hopes to address these issues by connecting H
2
vehicle manufacturers, OEMs and refueling station operators to develop innovative, dependable and compatible HRS technologies.
The program will investigate a broad range of HRS-related topics to help solve existing technical challenges, such as discovering the best onboard H
2
storage method: liquid H
2,
cryo-compressed H
2
or H70 gas, and comparing the performances of HRS flow components. The JIP also plans to study H
2
losses from cryogenic systems resulting from boil-off as well as system inefficiencies.
“Connecting industry stakeholders is vital to developing compatible and reliable H
2
refueling technologies and associated infrastructure,” says Angel Wileman, the JIP’s project manager from SwRI’s Mechanical Engineering Division. “H
2
HD REFUEL’s comprehensive approach will ensure that the industry can meet the growing demand for heavy-duty H
2
vehicles efficiently and safely.”
H2
HD REFUEL members will benefit from access to SwRI-led research and H
2
storage system models. Members can also participate in interactive workshops and biannual meetings for networking and knowledge sharing and gain valuable economic and performance insights for different H
2
storage systems.
Learn more about how
SwRI Consortia and JIPs
enable clients to pool their R&D dollars for pre-competitive research they can then apply to their products and services. For more information, visit the
H2
HD REFUEL
or contact
Jesús Chávez.