Southwest Research Institute has announced a groundbreaking joint industry project (JIP) to help spur the growth and innovation of fueling technologies and infrastructure for H₂-powered heavy-duty vehicles.

SwRI’s H₂HD REFUEL (H₂ Heavy Duty Refueling Equipment and Facilities Utilization Evaluation Laboratory) JIP aims to strengthen the acceptance of H₂ fuel use by heavy-duty vehicles to help the mobility industry meet its decarbonization and zero-emissions goals by advancing H₂ refueling station (HRS) technologies. Over the next four years, SwRI researchers will use hands-on experiments, system modeling and theoretical studies to strengthen existing HRS equipment and procedures and explore potential alternatives.

“There are less than sixty H₂ refueling stations in the U.S., but only one or two currently exist that can meet the specific needs of heavy-duty H₂-powered vehicles,” said Dr. Thomas E. Briggs, Jr., Institute engineer with SwRI’s Powertrain Engineering Division. “Many light-duty H₂ stations face significant technical challenges, including supply chain issues, mechanical failures, and lack of infrastructure. Considering the multimillion-dollar investment per station, these issues reflect a significant technology gap that industry and government must bridge before building additional heavy-duty refueling stations.”

The H₂HD REFUEL JIP hopes to address these issues by connecting H₂ vehicle manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and refueling station operators to develop innovative, dependable and compatible HRS technologies.

The four-year program will investigate a broad range of HRS-related topics to help solve existing technical challenges, such as discovering the best onboard H₂ storage method: liquid, H70 gas or cryo-compression, and comparing the performances of refueling station flow components. The JIP also plans to study H₂ losses from cryogenic systems that occur from boil-off and system inefficiencies.

“Connecting industry stakeholders is vital to developing compatible and reliable H₂ refueling technologies and associated infrastructure,” said Angel Wileman, the JIP’s project manager from SwRI’s Mechanical Engineering Division. “H₂HD REFUEL’s comprehensive approach will ensure that the industry can meet the growing demand for heavy-duty H₂ vehicles efficiently and safely. This JIP is another example of how SwRI is leading the way when it comes to H₂ energy research.”

H₂HD REFUEL members will benefit from access to SwRI-led cutting-edge research and H₂ storage system models. Members can also participate in interactive workshops and bi-annual meetings for networking and knowledge sharing and gain valuable economic and performance insights for different H₂ storage systems.