The European Union-backed BeBoP project is shifting gears towards enhancing hydrogen fuel cell systems for heavy-duty transport sectors.
Coordinated by SINTEF, this initiative is focused on refining components integral to these systems, known as Balance of Plant (BoP). These improvements aim to optimize the efficiency and reliability of hydrogen-powered vehicles, an emerging alternative to fossil fuels in sectors such as road, maritime, railway, and aviation.
A critical component in fuel cell systems is the BoP, which supports the core fuel cell by transforming chemical energy from hydrogen into electrical energy. Within the Horizon Europe project, BeBoP’s objective is to elevate these components by involving collaboration between component developers, powertrain designers, and research institutions. A three-and-a-half-year timeline frames this project aimed at engineering more efficient, compact, and robust components capable of monitoring the health of the fuel cell systems.
Sigrid Lædre, SINTEF’s Senior Research Scientist and BeBoP project coordinator, emphasized the potential impact of enhanced BoP components. Targeted improvements can make hydrogen fuel cells more viable for large-scale deployment within the heavy-duty transport industry. The BeBoP initiative addresses key components such as the air compressor, humidifier, and DC/DC converter.
Air compressors must deliver adequate oxygen at optimal pressures to support electricity generation and adapt to changing loads. Humidifiers are crucial for maintaining cell performance by preventing drying, while the DC/DC converter adjusts voltages to power electric motors. BeBoP intends to revolutionize these components by integrating innovative designs, which include a more efficient air compressor, lightweight and compact DC/DC converters with cell monitoring capabilities, and advancements in humidifier technology to improve water management.
Collaborative efforts from companies like Garrett, Freudenberg, and Silver Atena aim to incorporate these innovations into high-performance fuel cell systems, with FPT leveraging their applications. Modeling proficiency offered by DLR and SINTEF will guide component development and enhance operational efficacy. The project’s models are designed to fine-tune the development and testing of BoP components. The primary goal is to reduce power consumption and hydrogen use in heavy-duty settings. Through steady-state modeling, the architecture of the system will be optimized to elevate performance. These advanced BoP components are slated for integration into a 200 kW fuel cell prototype, undergoing rigorous testing in heavy-duty cycles to evaluate efficiency and reliability.
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