Toyota Motor Corporation has developed a hydrogen storage module for automobiles that includes multiple resin high-pressure hydrogen tanks operating at 70 MPa, as well as safety features such as a hydrogen detector and an automatic shut-off switch, as demonstrated in the “Mirai” fuel cell vehicle (FCEV). From March 16 to 18, Toyota will display a conceptual model of this module at the FC Expo (International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo) in Tokyo Big Sight (Koto-ku, Tokyo).
Toyota will continue to verify transportation safety and hydrogen storage quantity using the agile development site of a race, etc. in conjunction with this module development, as it did last year. This year, verification will begin with the Super Taikyu Race at Suzuka, which will take place on March 19 and 20.
The history of module development
Toyota has been working on efforts such as the sale of FCEVs and FC systems to help realize a hydrogen-based society. As part of this, the 70 MPa resin high-pressure hydrogen tank designed for autos has received several requests from individuals interested in using it in trains, shipping, and port cargo handling, as well as FC generators. Using the same tanks in multiple fields, on the other hand, necessitates satisfying different safety criteria and responding to each environment. As a result, they aren’t currently used for a wide range of applications. The government is working on a number of projects to encourage early hydrogen adoption while also ensuring safety, and Toyota and its business partners are ready to help. To meet these demands and expand the usage of hydrogen, Toyota created this hydrogen storage module.
High-pressure hydrogen tanks are being promoted through several initiatives
Since last year, Toyota has conducted repeated verification testing with its business partners at the Super Taikyu Series venue, a site for rapid development that reflects the idea of “creating ever-better motorsports-bred automobiles” throughout the entire phases of production, transportation, and use. This is also linked to the conceptual model’s development. Toyota will continue to connect with new corporate partners and conduct verification testing this year, beginning with the Super Taikyu Race in Suzuka (March 19-20), with the goal of expanding hydrogen use even further.
This race will test the transfer of huge amounts of hydrogen by an FC truck carrying resin high-pressure hydrogen tanks for autos with big volumes (2 sets of 16-tank packages) filled at 45 MPa.
This verification will be carried out once the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry certifies the vessels, and it is an initiative that will also contribute to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism’s studies to encourage the use of hydrogen. Toyota will continue to use opportunities such as the Super Taikyu races to evaluate its capabilities in using the 70 MPa, which is only certified for use in autos, in order to keep up with government studies.
Characteristics of the conceptual model for hydrogen storage modules
Large modules that use tanks with expanded capacities are also available in the lineup, in addition to the three variations of hydrogen capacity based on the resin high-pressure hydrogen tank used in the Mirai.
Feature 1: Hydrogen storage and transportation
The module unit, which packages safety-assured resin hydrogen tanks for use in automobiles, is equipped with a number of safety features that automatically monitor the module’s operation condition to ensure its safety. Because high-capacity hydrogen loads can safely and efficiently store and transport hydrogen, hydrogen-based energy can be used in a variety of sites where hydrogen filling is problematic, such as ports or mountain areas.
Feature 2: Hydrogen use
When hydrogen is used as a fuel for FC products, it may be used safely and easily in a variety of industries, including mobility, such as trains and ships as well as trucks and buses, port cargo handling, and FC generators, thanks to Toyota’s FC system module, which was released in March 2021.
