Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) powered by hydrogen are climate-friendly and also powerful. The growing demand for these zero-emission drives is currently focused first and foremost on commercial vehicles. In Switzerland for example, the ?H2 Mobility Initiative?, in collaboration with a major automobile manufacturer, aims to introduce 1,600 hydrogen-powered trucks to its roads by 2025. By 2040, 30,000 trucks, 40,000 buses and 80,000 taxis in South Korea could have H2 in their fuel tanks.
When compared to now widespread electric motors with batteries, the much more expensive hydrogen fuel cells facilitate a much greater range, with an identical power rating to a petrol or a diesel engine. Also, H2 vehicles can be refuelled in almost no time at all, when compared to the charging times necessary for batteries.
The capacity of a hydrogen tank is governed by its physical size but additionally by its storage pressure: The bigger this figure (commonly 700 bar for cars and 350 bar for trucks and buses), the more fuel can be stored in the tank.
WIKA pressure sensor MH-3-HY
To monitor this pressure, but also for other pressure measurement tasks within an H2 drive system, WIKA has designed the sensor model MH-3-HY. pressure gauge 10 bar for sensors of the kind are very stringent. They need to be certified as hydrogen-compatible and must have been designed for use in vehicles. The latter primarily affects the mechanical construction in respect of shock and vibration resistance, as well as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
To crank up the sales of hydrogen-fuelled commercial vehicles and cars, the appropriate network of filling stations should be expanded. With the model IS-3, for example, the WIKA portfolio also contains the right sensor for filling stations, designed with explosion protection.
Note
More info on Hydrogen, the model MH-3-HY and model IS-3 pressure sensors are available on the WIKA website. Would you like to buy pressure sensors? In our WIKA online-shop you will find a few of our standard designs. Should you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.