MHI's Liquid Hydrogen Pump: Reliability and Efficiency at Hydrogen Refueling Stations
Key Ideas
- MHI's liquid hydrogen pump completed 1500 refueling cycles without downtime or part replacement, showcasing exceptional reliability.
- The pump achieved high flow rates of 160 kg per hour at a discharge pressure of 90 MPa, validating its operational efficiency.
- The successful test at the Livermore Hydrogen Hub in California paves the way for commercial operation in a large-scale hydrogen station in Japan by April 2025.
- This development signifies a significant step towards promoting clean commercial mobility and sustainable fuel alternatives.
A recent test conducted at the Livermore Hydrogen Hub in California validated the operational reliability and efficiency of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' (MHI) liquid hydrogen pump, crucial for refueling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and tube trailers. The test, in collaboration with FirstElement Fuel Inc (FEF), demonstrated the pump's ability to complete 1500 refueling cycles without downtime or major part replacement at cryogenic temperatures as low as -253°C. Operating at a discharge pressure of 90 MPa, the pump maintained high flow rates of 160 kg per hour, showcasing its best-in-class performance. Over the course of the test from April 2023 to November 2024, the pump also operated for 1200 hours without interruption, delivering approximately 140 tons of liquid hydrogen with minimal boil-off gas. This successful trial positions the pump for installation at a large-scale hydrogen station in Japan, where it is set to commence commercial operation in April 2025. The advancement of such technology not only underscores the reliability and efficiency of hydrogen refueling infrastructure but also signifies a positive step towards advancing clean commercial mobility and sustainable fuel solutions.