BMW presents next-generation hydrogen storage tank

[PanterroR]

BMW’s research division, Forschung und Technik, has developed a next-generation Hydrogen Fuel storage system for cars and in the process has allowed the carmaker to edge closer to the volume production of hydrogen powered vehicles. Teaming up with partners, including Air Liquide, Daimler AG, Dynetek Europe and Ford, engineers have developed a new type of tank made of advanced composite materials that’s much safer than previous designs.

Its lightweight construction also means the weight of the entire tank system can be reduced to one third that of conventional cylindrical steel tanks. Another added benefit of composite construction is that the shape of the tank can be molded to suit any vehicle, once again reducing cost and adding flexibility.

Filled with ten kilograms of hydrogen, its creators think it could allow a range well in excess of 350 miles in a future vehicle. In comparison, the current Hydrogen7 only has a range of 100 miles.

BMW will take its hydrogen focus a step further by constructing a 4,500 gallon fueling station near its U.S. headquarters in New Jersey for a fleet of new hydrogen-powered cars.


Source: Motor Authority >> BMW presents next-generation hydrogen storage tank

 

[bmer]

This is for liquid hydrogen not pressurized hydrogen?

 

[Cashmere]

glad to see developments in hyrdogen technology.

 

[ateekt]

A needy development & another great mark from Bmw indeed ...!

This world badly needs alternative fuel to move on ...!

 

[SDNR]

-- and all developed without a cent gained from carbon trading.

It really makes me incredibly cynical of organizations like the UN and the legions of environmentalists who continually attack the oil and auto industry, blaming them for all the world's environmental problems, when it is precisely these industries, not the UN, that are doing all the work and investing all the money to find greener alternatives and technologies.

 

[le_rosey]

This is for liquid hydrogen not pressurized hydrogen?

Yes. Bmw have always been concentrating on liquid hydrogen. That makes the whole process of filling hydrogen into your tank extremely complicated, since the temperature needs to be maintained below something like -150C.

Not to mention that the valve needs to be air tight and foolproof.



Fuel cell concepts make much more sense. However, investment needed is substantially greater. And yet I am very optimistic since financial incentives are at paramount levels. Imagine if, for instance, Bmw perfected fuel cell technology. All competitors would be blown away immediately

 

[Giannis]

We haven't got rid of our old carburator cars and there's the second generation of hydrogen storage tanks. I bet that before even the first H2 powered car will hit the Greek market, there will be an M version of it

 

[bmer]

Yes. Bmw have always been concentrating on liquid hydrogen. That makes the whole process of filling hydrogen into your tank extremely complicated, since the temperature needs to be maintained below something like -150C.

Not to mention that the valve needs to be air tight and foolproof.

Yeah, I know. I just thought it was somewhat strange that Daimler was one of the development partners because they have been focusing on fuel cells using pressurized hydrogen.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

I don't about hydrogen I think the Di Petro compressed air wankels are cool.

 

[RoWis]

IMO hydrogen powered cars are the future. Hopefully you will be able to fill your car up with water and remove the H2 from it, instead of filling your tank directly with hydrogen.

 

[SDNR]

^ That would be cool ...but no doubt somebody would work out a way of charging you for its use.

 

[Sunny]

I wonder if this tank used in the gina concept?

 

[ateekt]

I wonder if this tank used in the gina concept?

I don't think so, I think the new concept coupe is a super-car ...!