US joint project tackles heavy-duty hydrogen infrastructure gap

A major infrastructure gap for heavy-duty hydrogen-powered vehicles has sparked a research drive by engineers. Via a scientific approach, the engineers intend to improve hydrogen refuelling station technology. The initiative will span four years and will potentially impact industry decision-making.

Southwest Research Institute in Texas (SwRI) have announced a new joint industry project to advance fuelling technologies for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles, addressing a critical gap in transportation infrastructure.

The four-year initiative, H2HD REFUEL (Hydrogen Heavy Duty Refuelling Equipment and Facilities Utilisation Evaluation Laboratory), will focus on improving hydrogen refuelling station technologies through experiments, modelling, and theoretical studies.

Dr. Thomas E. Briggs, Jr., Institute engineer with SwRI’s Powertrain Engineering Division, highlighted the demand for hydrogen refuel stations.

Briggs said: “There are less than sixty hydrogen refuelling stations in the U.S., but only one or two currently exist that can meet the specific needs of heavy-duty hydrogen-powered vehicles,”

“Many light-duty hydrogen stations face significant technical challenges, including supply chain issues, mechanical failures, and lack of infrastructure.”

The project brings together vehicle manufacturers, equipment makers, and station operators to develop compatible refuelling technologies.

Researchers will investigate various storage methods including liquid hydrogen, H70 gas, and cryo-compression, while studying system inefficiencies and hydrogen losses in cryogenic systems.

Angel Wileman, the project’s manager from SwRI’s Mechanical Engineering Division highlighted how imperative collaboration is across the sector.

Wileman said: “Connecting industry stakeholders is vital to developing compatible and reliable hydrogen refuelling technologies and associated infrastructure”.

“H2HD REFUEL’s comprehensive approach will ensure that the industry can meet the growing demand for heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles efficiently and safely.”

Project members will gain access to SwRI’s research and hydrogen storage system models, along with opportunities to participate in workshops and bi-annual meetings.

The initiative aims to address the significant technology gaps that currently exist, considering the multimillion-dollar investment required per station.

Furthermore, the research aims to help guide industry decisions on hydrogen infrastructure development as the transportation sector works toward decarbonization and zero-emissions goals.