Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRSs) are complex systems of equipment, machinery and control systems that must operate harmoniously without failure. However, even mature light-duty HRSs are plagued with reliability issues. At any given time, 50 percent of the existing light-duty HRSs are non-operational due to maintenance activities for the HRS technology. While most light-duty HRSs have been in operation for over 10 years, medium- and heavy-duty HRSs are just now emerging. The reliability and technology maturity issues experienced with light-duty stations are expected to not only persist but be exacerbated in medium- and heavy-duty station designs.
Advancing Hydrogen Refueling Station Capabilities
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) launched the Hydrogen Heavy Duty Refueling Equipment and Facilities Utilization Evaluation Laboratory (H2HD REFUEL) Consortium to strengthen the acceptance of hydrogen fuel use by heavy-duty vehicles through hands-on experiments, system modeling and theoretical studies on existing and potential HRS technology. By focusing on the advancement of these HRS technologies, this consortium has the potential to help the mobility industry meet its decarbonization and zero-emissions goals.
H2HD REFUEL Consortium Value
H2HD REFUEL is a joint industry project (JIP) that aims to bring together vehicle OEMs, station operators and suppliers to fuel the growth and acceptance of the heavy-duty hydrogen industry through collaborative targeted research to enhance the state-of-the-art HRS technologies and systems. The consortium will include a mix of experimental programs to quantify and compare hydrogen technology performance, paper studies to model system performance, evaluate up-and-coming technologies, and consolidate useful information members can use for future HRS designs. The value gained through membership in the H2HD REFUEL Consortium includes:
- Direct communication with HRS Operators, Vehicle OEMs, and HRS equipment OEMs that are driving the HD H2 refueling industry.
- Access to advanced knowledge on new HRS technologies and advances to remain at the forefront of technology development.
- Participation in networking opportunities to include 75+ hours of in-person events with the HRS and H2-Vehicle Community.
- Access to LH2 and H70 gaseous test facilities to measure the performance of HRS equipment and components.
- Knowledge to address H2 safety concerns and mitigate risks through testing of the latest H2 safety equipment and technologies.
Membership
For membership and other questions, please contact Angel Wileman or call +1 210 522 2657.
Related Research
H2-ICE consortium hydrogen combustion vehicle.
Southwest Research Institute is home to several hydrogen-energy-related initiatives, including the H2-ICE consortium, which completed the construction of a hydrogen internal combustion engine-powered heavy-duty vehicle (pictured right), and an on-site liquid hydrogen storage tank capable of holding up to 17,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen. These capabilities will aid H2HD Refuel efforts. Visit Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) Consortium to learn more.