The first months of the SH2APED project were dedicated to the specification of the overall system and work on component level.
As a result, the tank “microleak-no-burst” prototype design was finalized by ULTSER UNIVERISTY (Milestone1), taking into account high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyamide (PA) as possible materials for the liner. Numerical simulations validated the efficiency of the technology for different scenarios of fire. The design of microleak no burst tank prototypes for manufacturing at OPmobility (former PLASTIC OMNIUM) has also been validated (Milestone 4) thanks to the development and validation of a CFD model.
The liner tooling and moulding trials were realized accordingly by OPmobility (former PLASTIC OMNIUM) to supply prototypes for manufacturing the first tubular pressure elements (Milestone 2). The composite reinforcement was optimized to withstand a burst pressure exceeding 1575 bar and over 11,000 load cycles, as required by the GTR13 and R134 regulations.
Under the guidance of MISAL-OMB, the entire assembly of the storage system was defined with a focus on the valve system (Milestone 3). The design of manifold collector, another key component of the system, was finalized to allow further testing of the modular system (=assembly of 3 several vessels) and allowed the delivery of the first modular system by OPmobility (former PLASTIC OMNIUM).
BAM fulfilled the important task of actively contributing to the GTR13 working group and pave the path for the inclusion of “conformable tanks” in the next update of the R134 regulation. Furthermore, data acquisition strategies have been evaluated and vessel elements have been produced with embedded optical sensors to understand the behaviour and possible degradation under static and cyclic loading.
Based on the results of the initial design and first validations, the key performance indicators (KPIs) were monitored. First conclusion show an excellent volumetric efficiency while matching the structural requirements of the vessel elements. However, the overall system will probably be heavier than a conventional type IV tank due to the relatively high amount of metallic parts being used.
An important part of the SH2APED project is the economical assessment of the overall system compared to existing solutions for hydrogen storage. Based on a typical industrial scenario, the potential selling price of the system is anticipated. Driven by the strong increase of all materials (specifically carbon fibre), the target of 400€ per kg of hydrogen cannot be achieved. Further cost reduction activities focusing on carbon fibre, frame, active compnents and productivity are needed to improve the overall competitiveness of such a hydrogen storage system.
Furthermore, a stakeholder's workshop has been organized to share the most relevant findings of the project.
