HY-Launch - Expansion and commissioning of a research and development infrastructure for the product development process of fibre composite lightweight tank systems for hydrogen mobility applications, particularly in the fields of aviation and shipping

Hydrogen can be stored in various states, e.g. liquid or gaseous, and thus made available for use in drive technology. Each derivative has its own mechanical and thermal requirements for the storage structure. While compressed hydrogen gas is stored at very high pressures of up to 700 bar, cryogenic liquid hydrogen is stored at low pressure, but requires extremely low temperatures of up to -253 °C. The technological question of which hydrogen derivative will be used in shipping and for short- and medium-haul aircraft has not yet been conclusively answered. For long-haul aircraft, on the other hand, the high density of cryogenic liquid hydrogen is decisive.

Objectives

This project aims to create an infrastructure for researching and developing hydrogen storage systems made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic.  The infrastructure is designed for the development and testing of compact tank systems and representative test specimens in order to efficiently investigate a wide range of material and design parameters, taking into account the technological challenges posed by the various hydrogen derivatives. The cooperating companies thus have access to an infrastructure that allows for technology-neutral research and development work in the field of lightweight hydrogen storage systems.

Benefits

The project will enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular to develop innovative hydrogen tank systems in joint research and development projects with reduced economic risk, thereby breaking down existing barriers to market entry.

Approach

As part of the project, a production and laboratory environment will be designed and implemented that is adapted to current and future requirements for lightweight hydrogen storage structures. One focus is on the acquisition of a laser-based automated fibre placement (AFP) system for the automated production of tank and piping systems made of thermoplastic and thermosetting materials. Furthermore, the project will expand mechanical and thermal testing capacity in order to validate tank structures even under cryogenic conditions.

Are you also interested in a cooperation project?

Contact Dr.-Ing. Carsten Schmidt via email at schmidtc@ifw.uni.hannover.de or by phone at +49 4141 77628 11.