H2 Storage & Transportation


H2 Storage & Transportation

High density hydrogen storage and transportation is a challenge for stationary and portable applications and remains a significant challenge for transportation applications. Presently available storage options typically require large-volume systems that store hydrogen in gaseous form. This is less of an issue for stationary applications, where the footprint of compressed gas tanks may be less critical. To overcome these challenges Lr-H2 is pursuing two strategic pathways, targeting both near-term and long-term solutions. The near-term pathways are focused on compressed gas storage, using advanced pressure vessels made of fibre reinforced composites that are capable of reaching 700 bar pressure, with a major emphasis on system cost reduction.

The long-term pathway focuses on both two main strategies:

1. cold or cryo-compressed hydrogen storage, where increased hydrogen density and insulated pressure vessels, and
2. materials-based hydrogen storage technologies, including sorbents, chemical hydrogen storage materials, and metal hydrides.


High Pressure Storage

Lr-H2 storage of hydrogen as a gas typically requires high-pressure tanks (350–700 bar [5,000–10,000 psi] tank pressure). Our certified solutions the advantage of being light and are therefore perfect for mobile or nomadic applications but can also advantageously be used for stationary storage of large volume. The compressed hydrogen is stored in a tank composed of a polymer liner and a composite structure that supports the mechanical forces. Filament winding is a technique that aims to optimally strengthen the liner with long fibre composites to allow the casing to withstand high pressure.

Mobile Storage/ Transportation

Gaseous hydrogen is compressed to pressures of 180 bar (~2,600 psig) or higher into long cylinders that are stacked on a trailer that the truck hauls. Our tube trailers are currently limited to pressures of 250 bar, but exemptions have been granted to enable operation at higher pressures (e.g., 500 bar or higher). Lr-H2 steel tube trailers carry approximately 380 kg onboard. Recently, composite storage vessels have been developed that have capacities of 560–900 kg of hydrogen per trailer

Pipeline storage

Gaseous hydrogen can be transported through pipelines much the way natural gas is today. Transporting gaseous hydrogen via existing pipelines is a low-cost option for delivering large volumes of hydrogen. For Lr-H2, the high initial capital costs of new pipeline construction constitute a major barrier to the development and subsequent expanding hydrogen pipeline delivery infrastructure.

On-site Bulk Storage

On-site hydrogen storage is used at central hydrogen production facilities, transport terminals, and end-use locations. Storage options today include insulated liquid tanks and gaseous storage tanks.