An innovative On Tank Valve has successfully completed final tests according to EC 79 fuel cell technology, making an important contribution to achieving an emission-free future.
By Joanne McIntyre, Editorial Manager
Hydrogen can be used in both mobile and stationary applications. The fuel cell has advantages over electric mobility: the smaller battery of the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) allows a greater range with a higher payload than Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). Another advantage is the much shorter refuelling time for FCEVs. The market for FCEVs offers great growth potential – Asia and the USA in particular will rely on fuel cell technology in the future. For example, both China and California aim to have one million FCEVs in their fleets by 2030.
Reliable fuel supply
A reliable supply of hydrogen during operation, and the shortest possible refuelling times, are necessary. The valve attached to the H2 tank plays an important role here. The specially developed On Tank Valve (OTV) from Poppe + Potthoff offers a new solution for use on the tank in mobile and stationary H2 systems. The OTV can be attached to individual tanks or a group of tanks via a distribution rail. Depending on the system configuration, the OTV thus enables serial and parallel filling of the tank cylinders. The innovative flow guid-ance reduces pressure losses and enables a higher refuelling speed compared to the standard 60g/s discussed in the GTR13 standard for refuelling passenger cars. This is particu-larly advantageous for commercial vehicles. In addition to the shorter refuelling time, weight optimisation of the modular OTV body is also one of the goals in the development of the OTV. Thus, a low weight of less than 1300g and a compact design of 177mm diameter including the attachment of a solenoid valve could be achieved.
User-friendly design
The modular design of the OTV allows easy integration of additional components. The component has a central connection for filling and removal, and an optional connection for e.g. a Middle TPRD, while all cable outlets are bundled on one side. This design allows for easier assembly.
Through repeated assembly simulations during development, the Poppe + Potthoff team was able to achieve very good accessibility of the OTV. A special tool for assembly is also offered. During the development of the OTV, the focus was on the requirements that customers place on such a component. This made it possible to develop a solution that reliably delivers the highest performance.
The OTV is currently undergoing certification in Europe. With the successful completion of the tests according to EC 79 / Regulation (EU) No. 406, an important milestone has been reached. Poppe + Potthoff sees itself as a development partner that develops individual and efficient system solutions with and for its customers.
