Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering have achieved a significant breakthrough in hydrogen transportation infrastructure through their collaborative development of sLH2 technology. This innovative process for handling subcooled liquid hydrogen offers numerous advantages over traditional gaseous hydrogen methods, representing a significant stride towards decarbonising transportation.
The collaborative efforts of engineers from both companies have resulted in the sLH2 technology, which boasts higher storage density, extended range, faster refuelling, reduced costs, and improved energy efficiency compared to gaseous hydrogen. Notably, it enables heavy-duty trucks to be refuelled in just ten to fifteen minutes, carrying 80 kg of liquid hydrogen for a range exceeding 1,000 kilometres. This breakthrough not only enhances efficiency but also significantly reduces the investment required for hydrogen refuelling stations and operational costs.
In comparison to conventional liquid hydrogen (LH2) refuelling, the sLH2 process utilises an innovative pump to slightly increase the pressure of the liquid hydrogen, transforming it into subcooled liquid hydrogen. This method simplifies the fuelling process, minimises energy losses, and eliminates the need for data transmission between the refuelling station and the vehicle.
The inaugural public sLH2 pilot station in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, demonstrates the energy efficiency and performance of this technology. With a significantly low energy consumption of 0.05 KWh/kg, the station requires 30 times less energy than conventional gaseous hydrogen refuelling. Its small footprint and high capacity make it a practical and cost-effective alternative for heavy-duty vehicles.
Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering are working towards establishing sLH2 as the leading hydrogen refuelling technology for heavy-duty trucks. The technology, available through an ISO standard, promotes transparency and openness, urging other stakeholders to adopt the standard and contribute to the global mass market for the process.
Andreas Gorbach, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck, emphasises the importance of three factors for zero-emission transport: appropriate vehicles, an extensive infrastructure network, and cost parity with diesel trucks. He calls on other industry players to adopt sLH2 technology as an industry standard.
Juergen Nowicki, CEO of Linde Engineering, highlights the practicality and environmental benefits of sLH2, presenting it as a CO2-neutral alternative to diesel in the heavy-duty vehicle sector. The reduced investment and operational costs are expected to lead to lower total ownership costs.
The sLH2 technology is set to be implemented in the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck customer-trial fleet from mid-2024 onwards, showcasing its real-world applications in CO2-free long-distance transport. As these trials unfold, Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering aim to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen-powered trucks and the pressing need for a widespread international refuelling infrastructure and a sustainable supply of green liquid hydrogen.
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