Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) powered by hydrogen are climate-friendly as well as powerful. The growing demand for these zero-emission drives is currently focused first of all on commercial vehicles. In Switzerland for instance, 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 within 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 a similar power rating to a petrol or perhaps a diesel engine. Also, H2 vehicles could be refuelled in almost no time at all, when compared to the charging times needed for batteries.
The capability 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 could be stored in the tank.
WIKA pressure sensor MH-3-HY
To monitor this pressure, also for other pressure measurement tasks in an H2 drive system, WIKA has designed the sensor model MH-3-HY. The safety requirements for sensors of the kind are very stringent. They need to be certified as hydrogen-compatible and must also have been designed for use in vehicles. The latter primarily affects the mechanical construction in respect of shock and vibration resistance, along with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
To crank up the sales of hydrogen-fuelled commercial vehicles and cars, the correct network of filling stations should be expanded. With the model IS-3, for example, the WIKA portfolio also contains a suitable sensor for filling stations, made with explosion protection.
Note
Further information on Hydrogen, the model MH-3-HY and model IS-3 pressure sensors are available on the WIKA website. Do you want to buy pressure sensors? In our WIKA online-shop you will find a few of our standard designs. Should digital pressure gauge have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.