Metal hydride hydrogen storage and supply systems for electric forklift with low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell power module. (17th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lototskyy, Mykhaylo V.; Tolj, Ivan; Davids, Moegamat Wafeeq; Klochko, Yevgeniy V.; Parsons, Adrian; Swanepoel, Dana; Ehlers, Righardt; Louw, Gerhard; van der Westhuizen, Burt; Smith, Fahmida; Pollet, Bruno G.; Sita, Cordellia; Linkov, Vladimir
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 41:Number 31(2016)
• Page Start: 13831
• Page End: 13842
• Publication Date: 2016-08-17
• Subjects: Hybrid hydrogen storage -- Metal hydride -- Compressed gas -- Refuelling -- Fuel cell forklift -- Fuel cell power module; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.01.148
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: A novel hydrogen storage system for a RX60-30L 3-tonne electric forklift (STILL), equipped with a GenDrive 1600-80A fuel cell power module (Plug Power) has been developed. The system combines a compressed H2 composite cylinder (CGH2) and a liquid-heated-cooled metal hydride (MH) extension tank which is thermally integrated with a power module. The MH extension tank comprises a MH bed formed according to an advanced solution to provide easy activation of the MH material and fast H2 charge/discharge. The system has the same hydrogen storage capacity (∼19 Nm 3 H2 or 1.7 kg) as the separate CGH2 tank charged at P = 350 bar, but at a lower H2 charge pressure (≤185 bar). A 15 min cycle refuelling provides the forklift with full-load operation (according to VDI-60 protocol) during >3 h, or 2 to 4 working shifts in a real industrial environment. The work also presents a hydrogen refuelling station (dispensing pressure up to 185 bar) with integrated MH compressor which has been developed for forklift refuelling. Graphical abstract: Highlights: MH H storage integrated with commercial PEMFC module for electric forklift. Combined MH and CGH2 storage provides 19 Nm 3 H2 storage capacity at P < 200 bar. Refuelling time is as short as 15 min at H2 dispensing pressure above 100 bar. Novel low-pressure H2 refuelling system integrated with MH compressor developed. Both systems were put into operation at the site of the industrial customer.