Project Title: Hydrogen Development and Safety in Transportation Applications

Scope

This project is investigating the practical aspects of hydrogen production, storage, and use in transportation applications. It involves a collaboration with Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). Researchers will demonstrate the benefits of renewable-fueled hydrogen vehicles and refueling systems and identify power train configurations suitable for commercial use.

Objectives

The objectives of the project include investigating performance and emissions trade-offs with CNG and HCNG. By gaining experience in modeling and testing this work will translate into future work with fuel cell vehicles.

Status

• Investigate code and safety considerations involved in setting up a hydrogen fueling station, a hydrogen testing facility, and in operating hydrogen powered vehicles

• Procure existing CNG vehicle and perform modeling, on-road and chassis dynamometer testing of performance and emissions to establish a baseline for the vehicle.

• Modify the vehicle to use HCNG, and repeat the testing to evaluate changes resulting from conversion.

Future goals include participating in the Hydrogen Highway Project by designing a fueling station that is compliant with the California Fuel Cell Partnership protocols and establishing a testing center to collect high-altitude and extreme weather test data for hydrogen-fueled vehicles.

Learn more about the current status of this hydrogen project by downloading a recent presentation given at the NSWEP Program Review.
(PowerPoint 1.18 MB)

Contact

Amber Broch
Desert Research Institute
E-mail: amber.broch@dri.edu