Advanced Hydrogen Storage Systems: The Road to Commercialization

摘要

Compressed and liquid hydrogen storage systems have successfully enabled fuel cell electricvehicle (FCEV) demonstrations over the past 8 years. These demonstrations and additionaltests have proven the technical feasibility of FCEVs and hydrogen fuel storage systems.Automakers are increasingly showing a preference for 70 MPa compressed storage systemsdue to their desire for improved range, coupled with the relative simplicity of compressedhydrogen handling systems. Fuel storage requirements for FCEVs include fuel availability,system safety, adequate range and ability to meet cost targets. Compressed storage systems,especially 70 MPa systems, show great potential in all these aspects to support earlycommercialization of FCEVs. Elements of commercial success include factors such asproduct reliability, process consistency and clarity of customer value proposition. Under thesponsorship of the US Department of Energy, Quantum Fuel Systems TechnologiesWorldwide, Inc. (Quantum) continues to optimize compressed storage systems. Costreduction efforts currently underway include a combination of material, design and processoptimizations, rationalization of design margins and evaluation of higher density gas.Quantum has also developed modular, portable, and transportable hydrogen refueling systemsin support of early infrastructure development.