Hydrogen journeys with Stäubli #2

Welcome to the second episode of Hydrogen Journeys with Stäubli. 

In the previous episode we looked at hydrogen standardization and Stäubli's role in setting standards. Today we're going to look at the challenges and opportunities associated with hydrogen logistics with some real life examples. And for this discussion I'm delighted to welcome two specialists from Stäubli, José Cardenas, market manager for alternative fuels and Sébastien Pollet, market manager for pharmaceutical chemicals, oil and gas.

Hello. We're going to take a closer look at compressed hydrogen transport with Sébastien to begin with. Can you tell us in a few words what are the main challenges associated with it? 

So the challenges will be essentially technical due to the complex characteristics of the hydrogen molecule. The first is its size since the molecule is extremely small. It can therefore dissolve in certain materials, rapidly weakening installations by cracking or shattering metal parts. Leaks can quickly pose serious safety problems due to the highly flammable nature of hydrogen. It is therefore imperative for manufacturers to take these specific features into account and to avoid problems caused by temperature and vibration during transport.

And then, given these particularities, can you enlighten us on the essential points to bear in mind to contribute to controlled and safe hydrogen logistics? 

For tank filling and emptying processes, it's essential that operators have access to highly reliable devices that make operations safe and easy to handle.

Quick release couplings are used at every stage of hydrogen transfer, whether to and from stationary infrastructures, to and from mobile units or from vehicle to vehicle. Alongside safety and reliability, ergonomics is a very important criterion. 

Thank you Sébastien. We know to what extent reliability and safety are in the DNA of Stäubli products. To take a concrete example, can you tell us a little more about your collaboration with the company Lhyfe?

Yes, of course. Lhyfe is a group present in 11 European countries, producing and supplying green, renewable hydrogen. From the outset, Stäubli has supported the Lhyfe project by contributing its expertise in the design of connection systems adapted to gas distribution. Initially, the solution developed had to combine safety and efficiency for the transfer of hydrogen at a pressure of 500 bars. It had to make it as easy as possible to fill the tanks and then dispense the hydrogen to captive fleets, such as forklift trucks and other hydrogen-powered equipment. 

A great partnership indeed! Can you give us more details on the system deployed by Stäubli? 

Of course, it's a quick fit connector with buttons specially designed for high pressure applications. It is ergonomic, reliable and simple to use, requiring no tools. It is combined with a flexible hose. This system is fitted with a so-called breakaway. This is an anti-pull-out safety device which guarantees the safety of both the operator and the system in the event of unintentional over-pulling. This mechanism allows the mobile unit to disconnect from the loading system and automatically closes the circuit to prevent any leakage. 

Thank you very much, Sébastien Now I'd like to turn to you, José. Can you tell us about another partnership Stäubli has developed with Atawey?

Yes, of course. Atawey is an expert in the design of hydrogen filling stations, in particular mobile stations. These stations in container format can be transported by road. They are pre-charged with hydrogen and can be installed and operational at a customer site in less than half a day.

This mobile station solution offers local authorities the possibility of rapidly testing for a set period of time any type of hydrogen powered vehicle, whether they be refuse trucks, buses or other types of vehicle. This avoids the substantial investment and often lengthy lead times associated with setting up a fixed distribution station. 

The Stäubli fittings we offer Atawey are integrated into this mobile station. They facilitate the replenishment of hydrogen as and when it is consumed. They also provide a link between the station's various components enabling high pressure transfer. 

These connectors are designed for operating pressures of up to 700 bars while offering speed and ease of use without ever compromising safety, which remains an absolute priority.

I'd like to thank you both for an enriching conversation and many thanks to our loyal listeners. Don't miss the next episode. We will talk about hydrogen applications for the rail industry. See you soon.