Simulation of H2 refuelling processes and development of refuelling protocols

In rail vehicles hydrogen is currently stored in gaseous form at 350 bar. Regional railway vehicles carry around 160 - 320 kg of hydrogen.

Motivation

One challenge for hydrogen trains is ensuring a short refuelling time under all ambient conditions. The reason for this is that the hydrogen tanks must not exceed a temperature of more than 85°C. However, the hydrogen heats up during the refuelling process as a result of the compression of the gas in the tanks and the negative Joule-Thomson coefficient of the hydrogen. Consequently, there is a conflict of objectives between a short refuelling time and compliance with the maximum hydrogen temperature.

Research Portfolio

For the supply of hydrogen-powered rail vehicles, requirements for hydrogen refuelling are being determined at the Institute of Vehicle Concepts. In addition, simulation models of the refuelling process are developed and validated with measurement data. In this way, various refuelling concepts can be investigated with the aim of accelerating the refuelling process.

In addition, the researchers contribute their expertise to the committee "Standardization roadmap for hydrogen technologies - WG railway vehicles" and are involved in national and international implementation projects.

Projects

Publications

Contact

Dr.-Ing. Michael Schier

Head of Department
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Vehicle Concepts
Vehicles Energy Concepts
Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart