The COSMHYC partners have developed an innovative metal hydride compressor prototype. The prototype was commissioned in October 2020 and a long-term test phase until February 2021 has started.
Already in the preliminary tests the COSMHYC metal hydride compressor prototype achieved high pressure values of >430bar. Reaching these pressure levels is a major milestone for metal hydride-based compression technology, enabling its use in different scenarios: Coupled with a mechanical booster as in the COSMHYC compression concept, fast and cost-efficient refuelling of cars with 700bar is possible. Heavy duty vehicles (e.g. of busses, trucks etc.) with 350bar refuelling pressure could be fuelled, even without a mechanical compressor. The technology is also well adapted to fill trailers at 200bar or 300bar in filling centres.
The set up of the long-term tests simulates the refuelling station utilisation profile and the interaction with the mechanical compressor. The tests aim to validate technical KPI’s including capacity, compression ratios, energy efficiency and noise level. The generated data will also enable to discuss further optimisation requirements for future commercialisation.
