The COSMHYC Compression Solution – ready for real-life validation
The COSMHYC compressor combines the advantages of mechanical and metal hydride compression technologies, increasing the energy efficiency, whilst lowering maintenance costs and noise levels. COSMHYC DEMO is the third project of the COSMHYC series. In the projects COSMHYC (start 2017) and COSMHYC XL (start 2019), the consortium first developed and tested the compression concept, then scaled it up for heavy duty applications, enabling higher flow rates and daily capacities. Now, in the third project the system is brought to action in an HRS servicing a fleet of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) and compressing up to 200kg of hydrogen per day. Being a dual-pressure HRS, servicing 350 bar (e.g. utility vehicles, busses) as well as 700bar (e.g. passenger cars) vehicles, the compression solution’s flexibility will be showcased.
Importance of effective HRS compression
Hydrogen mobility is gaining unprecedented momentum. Although the number of HRS is increasing, the development of an effective and comprehensive refuelling infrastructure remains a major challenge for the deployment of FCEVs. The compressor is the most challenging component in an HRS in terms of costs and reliability. The COSMHYC series is addressing this need with its innovative solution. COSMHYC DEMO will make the last step by demonstrating the compressor’s maturity for commercial application.
From concept to reality with joined efforts
COSMHYC DEMO is run by a European consortium of leading research institutions, industry players and the local authority district of the future HRS site. The European Institute for Energy Research (EIFER) coordinates the project. It also assesses the techno economic performance of the hybrid compressor. The components will be manufactured and integrated into the HRS by the industrial partners: The French SMEs MAHYTEC and EIFHYTEC develop and manufacture the thermochemical compressor. Paired with the Danish company Nel’s adapted mechanical compressor, the COSMHYC DEMO hybrid solution combines the advantages of both technologies. The Communauté de Communes Touraine Vallée de l'Indre(CCTVI), an association of 22 French municipalities with 52’000 inhabitants, provides the HRS site in the HYSOPARC area and will operate the HRS to refuel their fleet of vehicles, including the garbage truck. Long term goals of the project are to foster the uptake of H2 mobility and prepare the market entry of the COSMHYC compressor. To that end, the German technology transfer centre Steinbeis Europa Zentrum (SEZ) completes the project consortium with their expertise.
