HYDROGEN FUEL SYSTEMS TESTING


The Fuel Systems Testing Lab performs simulated hydrogen fueling tests, hydrogen gas pressure-cycling, static and dynamic hydrogen leakage testing, and drive cycle simulation.

The Fuel Systems Testing Lab develops custom test apparatuses to meet vehicle OEM internal performance or durability test procedures on high-pressure vehicle fuel systems. Procedures include water spray, dust ingress, thermal shock, vibration resistance, mechanical shock or impact, electrical operation, and other specialized tests.

The lab can administer the expected service and localized fire testing required by the UN GTR No. 13, ECE R134, and SAE J2579 test standards.

Powertech’s “Fast-Fill” Facility has the means to conduct highly instrumented high-pressure hydrogen fills using a simulated hydrogen station and vehicle fuel system, each with independent ambient temperature control from -40°C to +50°C. The facility has large-capacity 87.5 MPa and 95 MPa hydrogen storage, full T40 pre-cooling, programmable pressure ramp rate and profile, flow monitoring, and dynamic leakage monitoring capabilities, complete with break-away, nozzle, and receptacle to meet each customer’s unique needs. The facility can be used to evaluate fuel system behavior and performance, and hydrogen station fueling protocols.

The Fuel Systems Testing Lab also has test circuits for hydrogen gas pressure–cycling, with pressures to 95 MPa. These circuits can be flexibly configured and used for typical hydrogen gas pressure–cycling, UN GTR/ECE/SAE expected service tests, and drive cycle simulations. The lab has many of the features of the Fast-Fill Facility, such as programmable pressure ramp rate control, flow monitoring, pre-cooling, and dynamic leakage monitoring, and adds defuel control and back-to-back fill (pressure cycle) functionality. Powertech engineers can work to integrate the lab’s instrumentation and controls with a customer’s OEM CAN bus or similar control unit for a true operational test.