Author: Arnes Biogradlija

In a significant legal development, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc., and First Element, Inc. are facing a class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The lawsuit, filed by numerous plaintiffs represented by the Ingber Law Group, alleges that Toyota engaged in anticompetitive practices to monopolize the hydrogen retail car market, specifically targeting their hydrogen-fueled car, the Mirai. Allegations and Claims The plaintiffs, a diverse group of consumers and California taxpayers, have brought forward several claims against Toyota and First Element. The primary allegations include: Background and Context The complaint details a…

Schlumberger Technology Corporation filed a patent titled “A Method of Oxy-Combustion” on July 18, 2024. The inventors or assignees, as listed, are responsible for advancing a method designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of combustion processes involving hydrogen and oxygen feedstocks. Features and Improvements The patented method introduces a distinctive approach to oxy-combustion by utilizing an electrolyzer to split a feedstock into hydrogen and oxygen components. This process is integrated within a furnace where hydrogen and oxygen feedstocks are combusted. One of the patent’s unique aspects lies in controlling the second feedstock composition and pressure within the furnace alongside…

Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG has recently secured a patent for a novel flat steel product designed for hot working that exhibits enhanced resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. This invention is documented under “Flat Steel Product for Hot Working” and was filed on July 18, 2024. This innovative product is particularly significant when combined with an aluminum-based anticorrosive coating, resulting in improved mechanical properties and increased durability against external environmental factors. Features and Improvements The patented flat steel product stands out due to its resilience against hydrogen embrittlement, a common issue that compromises the structural integrity of metal through the intrusion of…

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has introduced a novel electrochemical hydrogen compression system in a patent titled “Electrochemical Hydrogen Compression System.” This patent, credited to Honda’s inventors, describes a sophisticated and efficient method for compressing hydrogen gas using a hydrogen compression stack and a refined control device. Features and Improvements The patented system highlights two central units within its control device:1. Operation Control Unit: This unit facilitates the hydrogen gas supply to the hydrogen compression stack while directing electrical currents from an electrical power source, initiating the compression operation.2. Operation Stop Control Unit: This unit activates upon receiving a command to…

In a recent publication in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, researchers Mohamad K. Khawaja, Razan Al-Mohamad, Tareq Salameh, and Ammar Alkhalidi presented their findings on the strategies to promote the use of nuclear energy in hydrogen production. This study is particularly relevant given the growing interest in sustainable and large-scale hydrogen production methods to support the global energy transition. Relevance to the Hydrogen Industry Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a key player in mitigating climate change due to its potential as a clean energy carrier. However, the environmental benefits of hydrogen are contingent on the methods used for its…

A new study by Jinqin Zhou, Shaoxiang Weng, Zhen Xin Phuang, Jian Ping Tan, Aitazaz Ahsan Farooque, Keng Yinn Wong, and Kok Sin Woon offers valuable insights into enhancing hydrogen production and supply chains for fuel cell vehicles. The research “Exploring Intra-Regional Hydrogen Production Alternatives for Fuel Cell Vehicles via Greenhouse Gas-Based Life Cycle Supply Chain (GHG-LCSC) Optimization” provides an in-depth examination of sustainable hydrogen solutions.* As the hydrogen economy develops, optimizing the hydrogen supply chain is crucial to making its application in fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) both economically and environmentally viable. Main Findings This study focuses on optimizing alternatives…

The Spanish government has announced a vital tender titled “Suministro integral de equipos y materiales, ingeniería, fabricación, montaje y puesta en servicio de un sistema de electrólisis de agua con tecnología de membrana de intercambio protónico (PEM) para la producción de hidrógeno para el Centro de Desarrollo de Tecnologías de Cubillos del Sil,” under the PRTR initiative and funded by the European Union’s Next Generation EU program. The tender was published today, with a submission deadline set for September 12, 2024. This tender is crucial as it seeks to enhance Spain’s capabilities in hydrogen production, a key element in the…

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has announced the “Green Wilhelmshaven Terminal preFEED” tender, seeking miscellaneous engineering services to support the development of the Green Wilhelmshaven Terminal. The tender was published on July 30, 2024, and reflects Germany’s commitment to advancing its hydrogen infrastructure. Interested parties must submit their tenders by August 18, 2024. The primary objective of this tender is to conduct a pre-front-end engineering design (preFEED) for the Green Wilhelmshaven Terminal. This facility is envisioned as a cornerstone in Germany’s hydrogen strategy, designed to import, store, and distribute green hydrogen—an essential component in transitioning to…

Germany’s Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv) has announced a tender titled “Betankung der rnv-Wasserstoff-Hybridbusse” on July 31, 2024. The tender calls for services to refuel rnv’s fleet of hydrogen hybrid buses, with a submission deadline set for September 30, 2024. Objectives and Requirements The primary objective of the tender is to secure a qualified contractor who can provide efficient and consistent hydrogen refueling services for the rnv’s hydrogen hybrid buses. This service is crucial to maintaining the operational efficiency and reliability of the public transportation system, leveraging alternative energy sources. Key requirements include: 1. Hydrogen Supply and Refueling Infrastructure: The contractor must…

The Slovak Ministry of Economy has issued a tender titled “ELEKTROLYZÉR NA VÝROBU H2 V ENO” to procure an electrolyzer for hydrogen production. Published on July 31, 2024, the tender requires interested parties to submit their tenders by September 4, 2024. The primary objective of the tender is to acquire an advanced electrolyzer to facilitate hydrogen production. An electrolyzer is a device that uses electricity to break water into hydrogen and oxygen. It plays a crucial role in producing clean hydrogen gas, which can be used as a fuel. Slovakia is looking for a high-efficiency, reliable electrolyzer to support its…