On March 13th, it was reported by journalists that China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation's Sixth Academy (CASC 6th Academy) achieved a significant breakthrough in the key technology research for heavy-duty vehicle hydrogen storage and supply. The project, led by the 101st Institute of the academy, completed seven key technological challenges in the development of onboard hydrogen storage and supply systems over a span of three years.
It is reported that the project optimized the configuration of the onboard hydrogen storage and supply system, fuel cell power system, and heavy-duty vehicle chassis structure. It pioneered the development of an 80-kilogram class prototype of the onboard hydrogen storage and supply system in China. Compatibility testing was conducted between the hydrogen storage and supply system, fuel cell, and the entire vehicle, passing rigorous real-road assessments at testing grounds. The system achieved performance metrics on par with international advanced levels in terms of hydrogen storage density, energy consumption per unit, and hydrogen supply rate. Additionally, a testing apparatus for onboard hydrogen storage and supply systems was developed, along with establishing testing methodologies, providing necessary standards for both technical research and product testing.
The vehicle-mounted liquid hydrogen storage and supply system, as illustrated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Six Institute (CASC 6th Institute), has been successfully implemented. It integrates the liquid hydrogen storage and supply system with heavy-duty vehicle fuel cell power systems and the entire vehicle, addressing two major challenges in electrifying heavy-duty trucks: power performance and range.
According to reports, the carbon dioxide emissions from a 49-ton diesel heavy truck are equivalent to those of 40 small cars. Compared to a 49-ton diesel heavy truck, each liquid hydrogen heavy truck can reduce carbon emissions by 140 tons per year, achieving zero emissions for long-distance heavy-duty vehicles.
Going forward, the 101 Institute will continue to drive key technological breakthroughs and the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, accelerating the implementation of comprehensive demonstration projects for the entire liquid hydrogen industry. It aims to actively build a liquid hydrogen industry ecosystem.
