Calvera Hydrogen, a trailblazing force in the European hydrogen industry, boasting over four decades of expertise in the design and manufacturing of high-pressure hydrogen compression, transport, storage, and dispensing equipment, has achieved a monumental milestone.
At its facilities in Zaragoza, Spain, Calvera Hydrogen has introduced the world’s largest capacity hydrogen tube trailer, setting a new standard for the global hydrogen transport landscape.
This remarkable innovation is engineered to transport an impressive 1.0 ton (2,270 lbs.) of hydrogen on U.S. roads and over 1.3 tons (2,870 lbs.) on European roads, taking into account the distinct road weight regulations in each region. What makes this achievement even more astonishing is the working pressure of 517 bar (7,500 psi), making it the highest working pressure tube trailer in the international market. The trailer is crafted from cutting-edge carbon fiber material and spans a length of 45 feet.
The culmination of over two years of rigorous engineering and technological collaboration between Calvera Hydrogen and Shell Hydrogen has led to the birth of this groundbreaking project. The hydrogen tube trailer will embark on its maiden journeys in the United States and Germany. Under a comprehensive framework agreement, additional units of this innovative tube trailer model are in development to cater to the hydrogen transport requirements of Shell’s refueling stations spanning the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
The hydrogen tube trailer is meticulously designed to maximize the capacity and pressure of the stored hydrogen, thereby ensuring optimal efficiency and cost savings in the distribution of hydrogen at refueling stations. This feat is accomplished through automatic valves integrated into the trailer, which enable hydrogen dispatch at different pressure stages. Remarkably, the trailer serves a dual purpose as both mobile and fixed smart storage, underlining its versatility and ingenuity.
This project is a testament to the innovation and complexity of its design, all while adhering to the highest safety standards. What sets it apart is its dual approval, complying with current regulations in both the United States and Europe. Achieving this dual certification presented a formidable challenge, not only in design but also in navigating the regulatory landscape for its approval.
Ricardo Calvera, the Technical Director of Calvera Hydrogen, expressed his gratitude for the close collaboration with Shell Hydrogen, emphasizing the company’s trust in Calvera’s technical prowess, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to safety.
