BMW, Bosch, Hexagon Purus, and TesTneT Engineering are working together in the research and development of an innovative hydrogen storage system solution for future fuel cell passenger cars. The first prototype of the 700 bar high-pressure storage tank is to be developed by the end of 2022.
With a total budget of only €6 million ($6.85 million), the project called FlatHyStor – “Functional design and testing of an innovative hydrogen tank system” – aims to develop an advanced hydrogen storage system solution for the flat space of light-duty car underbodies that are usually provided for the integration of the battery modules in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). To achieve this, the hydrogen tanks must be flatter than before.
Within the FlatHyStor consortium, the Kassel-based company Hexagon Purus will develop the high-pressure hydrogen cylinders as well as the corresponding vehicle integration structure. Bosch will develop the advanced tan valve and high-pressure regulator technology, and TesTneT Engineering will deliver the validation of the storage components according to the latest codes and standard evolutions. BMW will coordinate the different activities and provide the technical specifications for the storage system integration and application.
At this stage, we do not know for which vehicle the integration solution will be developed. BMW is currently working on only one hydrogen car – the iX5 Hydrogen car that we saw at the 2021 Munich Motor Show. This would be a logical choice, given that the manufacturer is a partner in the project. If the project is successful, the German multinational manufacturer of premium automobiles may get other options apart from massive battery packs to sell zero-emission vehicles.
“We are excited to participate in this project with BMW, Bosch, and TesTneT Engineering. This cooperation confirms our leading position as a Type 4 high-pressure cylinder manufacturer and as a Tier 1 supplier of complete system solutions to OEM customers,” says Michael Kleschinski, Executive Vice President LDC, Hexagon Purus.
