Hydrogen powertrain solution provider Viritech and Haydale, which specializes in functionalized graphene-enhanced nanomaterials, have announced that they are to collaborate on hydrogen pressure vessels for the automotive industry, beginning with commercial vehicle applications.
During the project, the partners will focus on Type V, liner-less pressure vessels, with the aim of developing “the world’s most efficient vehicle storage system for gaseous hydrogen”. The technology will initially be for fuel cell vans, but will be suitable for future applications within the automotive, aerospace and marine industries.
Both parties will develop new functionalized materials and resins for Type V pressure vessels, resulting in significant weight savings and eliminating the need for an inner liner, which is currently required in composite pressure vessels to act as an impermeable barrier. Viritech and Haydale’s advanced graphene-enhanced carbon fiber material, however, will enable the construction of impermeable pressure vessels.
Additionally, Viritech will advance its Graph-Pro structural pressure vessels that feature fixing points for fitment directly to a vehicle’s chassis, removing the need for attachments or frames, which simplifies installation and saves weight.
The pair previously co-developed hydrogen storage solutions for Viritech’s Apricale Hypercar.
“We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Haydale,” explained Timothy Lyons, CEO of Viritech. “With hydrogen’s growing emergence as a key pilar in the road to ‘Sustainable Transportation’ vehicle manufacturers are starting to design their first series-production fuel cell vehicles, and working together, our two companies are ideally placed to capitalize on one of the most important growth markets of the next two decades.”
Keith Broadbent, CEO of Haydale, said, “We are pleased to be continuing our work with Viritech, and, together, be leading the way with ground-breaking hydrogen pressure vessel designs. Our expertise in functionalized nano materials alongside Viritech’s pioneering approach to fuel cell vehicles is an exciting step forward in providing the technology for this growing market.”