SwRI announces JIP to spur H2 refueling, infrastructure tech for heavy-duty vehicles

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.) has announced a joint industry project (JIP) that will reportedly help spur the growth and innovation of fueling technologies and infrastructure for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles.

SwRI’s H₂HD REFUEL (Hydrogen Heavy Duty Refueling Equipment and Facilities Utilization Evaluation Laboratory) JIP aims to strengthen the acceptance of hydrogen (H₂) fuel use by heavy-duty vehicles to help the mobility industry meet its decarbonization and zero-emissions goals by advancing H₂ refueling station (HRS) technologies. Over the next 4 years, SwRI researchers will use hands-on experiments, system modeling and theoretical studies to strengthen existing HRS equipment and procedures and explore potential alternatives.

“There are less than 60 H₂ refueling stations in the U.S., but only one or two currently exist that can meet the specific needs of heavy-duty H₂-powered vehicles,” says Dr. Thomas E. Briggs Jr., Institute engineer with SwRI’s Powertrain Engineering Division. “Many light-duty H₂ stations face significant technical challenges, including supply chain issues, mechanical failures and lack of infrastructure. Considering the multimillion-dollar investment per station, these issues reflect a significant technology gap that industry and government must bridge before building additional heavy-duty refueling stations.”

The H₂HD REFUEL JIP hopes to address these issues by connecting H₂ vehicle manufacturers, OEMs and refueling station operators to develop innovative, dependable and compatible HRS technologies.

The program will investigate a broad range of HRS-related topics to help solve existing technical challenges, such as discovering the best onboard H₂ storage method: liquid H₂, cryo-compressed H₂ or H70 gas, and comparing the performances of HRS flow components. The JIP also plans to study H₂ losses from cryogenic systems resulting from boil-off as well as system inefficiencies.

“Connecting industry stakeholders is vital to developing compatible and reliable H₂ refueling technologies and associated infrastructure,” says Angel Wileman, the JIP’s project manager from SwRI’s Mechanical Engineering Division. “H₂HD REFUEL’s comprehensive approach will ensure that the industry can meet the growing demand for heavy-duty H₂ vehicles efficiently and safely.”

H₂HD REFUEL members will benefit from access to SwRI-led research and H₂ storage system models. Members can also participate in interactive workshops and biannual meetings for networking and knowledge sharing and gain valuable economic and performance insights for different H₂ storage systems.

Learn more about how SwRI Consortia and JIPs enable clients to pool their R&D dollars for pre-competitive research they can then apply to their products and services. For more information, visit the H₂HD REFUEL or contact Jesús Chávez.