Hydrogen journeys with Stäubli #4

Welcome to episode four of Hydrogen Journeys with Stäubli. The podcast that explores the hydrogen market and spotlights a key player in this field, Stäubli. In our last episode, we looked at the use of hydrogen in the rail sector. This time, we're going to focus on hydrogen mobility and more specifically on the refueling process for road vehicles. To discuss this topic, I'm delighted to welcome José Cardenas, alternative Fuels market manager at Stäubli.

Hello. First of all, could you tell us about the use of hydrogen in the mobility sector and the challenges associated with it, particularly for road vehicles?

With pleasure. Hydrogen is often presented as a promising solution for reducing CO2 emissions and combat climate change. Busses, trucks, private cars can all benefit from this technology, and the advantages are numerous. Among others increased autonomy, fast recharging times, and of course, zero tailpipe emissions. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of challenges for road vehicle infrastructures. In particular there is a European regulation on infrastructures for alternative fuels called AFIR, which includes hydrogen, which requires the deployment of refueling stations.

At the same time, we also need to develop a range of adapted vehicles.

Yet hydrogen refueling seems to be a key factor in the future of mobility. Doesn't it?

Absolutely, infrastructure must ensure continuous availability of the fuel, allow vehicle tanks to be completely filled in a matter of minutes while guaranteeing a simple and secure user experience.

It's easy to imagine that this requires market players to make the right choices in terms of equipment. In this context, can you tell us a little more about the key role of this equipment and how Stäubli fits into the development of hydrogen mobility?

Yes, of course, fueling equipment is indeed crucial in promoting the adoption of hydrogen in the mobility sector. At Stäubli, we're involved at every stage of the process. To give you a concrete example. We have developed a technology that involves integrating a position sensor into the infrared receiver fitted to these devices. In this way, the charging station is informed when the gun is correctly logged to the vehicle.

Safety is a key issue for Stäubli, which means that all its equipment is tested under extreme conditions. And this is of course the case with our filling nozzles. 

We have the opportunity to contribute to the drafting of standards, standards related to hydrogen mobility through AFNOR, the French Association for standardization. We are also very attentive to the needs of manufacturers, operators and users and offer solutions that reduce maintenance costs and enable complete recharging of vehicles and offer improved ergonomics for users.

Thank you Jose, for sharing your experience of refueling hydrogen powered vehicles with us. It's clear to everyone that collaboration between all the players in the hydrogen industry is essential to guarantee the performance of installations and the safety of operators and end users alike. And Stäubli, as a committed player, is making a major contribution to the development of this sector with innovative, reliable and efficient solutions.

With this episode, we conclude the Hydrogen Journeys with Stäubli podcast series. Thank you for following us. If you'd like to find out more about Stäubli’s solutions, please visit stäubli.com