Making Hydrogen Storage Smarter with Novadev’s FLUXpac

Hydrogen has long been viewed as a viable alternative fuel, but its storage and transport challenges have hindered broader adoption. Novadev’s FLUXpac offers a solution by tackling these obstacles with a fresh approach to cryogenic hydrogen storage.

• How FLUXpac Works:

  • The FLUXpac uses cryogenic technology to store liquid hydrogen.
  • Hydrogen molecules are absorbed under moderate pressure (116 pounds per square inch), minimizing risks associated with high-pressure systems.
  • Its design ensures that hydrogen remains securely held until a heat exchanger triggers its release, using waste heat from vehicle components such as fuel cells.

• Advantages of FLUXpac:

  • Improved safety due to reduced pressure compared to traditional systems.
  • Compact design that fits seamlessly into available truck space.
  • Adaptability for use in Class 8 sleeper cabs, accommodating long-haul routes with minimal disruption to existing powertrain setups.

• Potential Applications:

  • The system could address storage challenges for trucks, boats, and even airplanes.
  • Its integration into trucks between the front and rear wheels is especially promising for long-haul transportation, where range and space optimization are critical.

While FLUXpac is still undergoing testing, its potential to transform hydrogen adoption in trucking is notable. For now, the focus remains on achieving Department of Transportation certification before large-scale implementation.

Verne’s Cryo-Compressed Hydrogen Truck Breakthrough

On the operational side of hydrogen technology, Verne has built its first Class 8 truck equipped with a cryo-compressed hydrogen system. This system tackles some of the traditional barriers to hydrogen use, such as low fuel density and high storage costs.

• How Verne’s System Works:

  • Verne leverages cryogenic compression to maximize hydrogen storage density, reducing vehicle weight and increasing range.
  • The system includes a dual-fuel capability, allowing the truck to run on a blend of diesel and hydrogen.
  • By using Diesel Tech Industries’ Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System, Verne retrofits traditional diesel engines to work with this fuel blend.

• Advantages of the Cryo-Compressed System:

  • Increased fuel storage capacity enables greater range between refueling.
  • Reduced weight improves fuel efficiency without compromising load capacity.
  • Dual-fuel compatibility lets fleets transition to hydrogen gradually, avoiding the need for entirely new vehicles.

• Testing and Next Steps:

  • Verne is conducting driving tests to refine the system.
  • Commercial pilots are planned to evaluate real-world performance metrics.

Verne’s hydrogen trucks utilize a dual-fuel combustion engine capable of running on both diesel and hydrogen, seamlessly integrating with existing diesel infrastructure while reducing emissions by incorporating hydrogen as a cleaner fuel source. This design allows the engine to function like a traditional combustion engine, with the added advantage of burning hydrogen to further enhance sustainability.