Storing hydrogen [ Return towards  Preparing tomorrow  ]

Air Liquide took an active part in the European research program StorHy bringing together several car manufacturers, equipment-makers and leading European research institutions. Together, they have made research progress and accelerated the development of the three main hydrogen storage technologies: 

• Storage in the gaseous state under high pressure (up to 700 bars); 
• Storage in liquid form at very low temperatures; 
• Storage in solid materials that retain hydrogen (hydrides…).

Efficient and reliable tanks are now ready to be produced in small batches, to be incorporated into vehicles.

To supply hydrogen for stationary applications or small vehicles, Air Liquide is developing exchangeable tanks to store pressurized hydrogen up to 700 bars. These very high-tech tanks combine the strong resistance of carbon fibers and the lightness of aluminum alloys. Ergonomic and very simple to use, these tanks will be tested by the general public in the framework of the Hychain-Minitrans project.

The Group’s technicians have also developed tanks to store liquid hydrogen at -253°C. They only weigh 66 kg and can hold up to 12 kg of liquid hydrogen, that is, 15% in terms of mass, a world record! This tank could enable a fuel cell-powered car to travel more than 1000 km.