In this tech talk, Steven had the pleasure of discussing about the about hydrogen refueling and fueling process with Gernot Mariacher, Hydrogen Expert at Wolftank Group.
Learn about hydrogen refueling process
Steven Oji and Gernot Mariacher delve into the complexities of the hydrogen refueling process. Hydrogen refueling involves transferring hydrogen from the supply source into the vehicle. This involves several components including compressors, storage tanks, chilling units, and dispensers, all working together to control how hydrogen gets into the vehicle.
The process requires close attention to pressure and temperature. Hydrogen is usually compressed at high pressure due to its low density to get a suitable amount for usage in mobility. They also discuss the need for specific protocols, such as the Society of Automated Engineers (SAE) Standard J2601, which provides guidelines for the flow of hydrogen during the refueling process. These guidelines help manage how hydrogen enters the tank, ensuring it doesn't exceed certain pressure and temperature thresholds.
The discussion further explains that the process involves checking the connections between the station and the vehicle for leaks, measuring mass flow, and adjusting the filling process according to the initial state of the hydrogen tank.
In terms of costs, the most expensive parts of a hydrogen refueling station are the compressors and storage. However, prices are expected to decrease as the technology scales up. The focus in the future will shift towards managing higher pressures and larger vehicle fleets, given the increasing adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. He also expects changes in the supply chain behind the stations, suggesting more standardizations in the station in the future.
If you like the video, please also subscribe to our new Hyfindr Youtube Channel. We launched Hyfindr Tech Talks in January - a new format that is specifically designed for engineers who are interesed in the hydrogen economy!
Steven is a fuel cell system designer and he will deep-dive into the technology that makes the hydrogen economy work with real experts. We hope you will like the new format.