Toyota Motor Corporation has developed a hydrogen storage module for fuel cell vehicles based on their polymeric high-pressure hydrogen tank technology.
The storage element, according to the business, will allow the tank to be used for purposes other than autos.
“The 70 megapascals (MPa) resin high-pressure hydrogen tank designed for vehicles is now the subject of numerous requests from those who want to use it in railways, ships, and port cargo handling, as well as fuel cell generators,” according to the statement. “Toyota created this hydrogen storage module to meet these demands and extend the usage of hydrogen,” says the company.
It also mentioned that the resin high-pressure hydrogen has been tested in its Mirai fuel-cell car, as well as safety features including hydrogen detectors and automated shut-off valves. These tanks have a storage capacity of 2.7 kg to 18.7 kg and a tank mass of 43.0 kg to 243.8 kg, depending on the size.
According to the manufacturer, the module unit contains safety-assured tanks and is fitted with multiple safety mechanisms that check the module’s functioning condition automatically.
“Because high-capacity hydrogen loads can safely and effectively store and transport hydrogen, hydrogen-based energy may be used in a variety of sites where hydrogen filling is problematic, such as ports or mountain areas,” it stated. “Toyota will endeavor to establish new business relationships and conduct verification testing in order to increase hydrogen utilization even further.”
Toyota originally displayed a hydrogen tank for autos in 2001, and it is currently one of the most active carmakers pursuing fuel cell vehicle technology. Since 2008, it has been producing vehicle-mounted 70 MPa tanks, with over 20,000 made for the first generation of Mirai cars.
