Fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) adoption is not catching on like battery-powered electric vehicles (BPEVs). That’s because FCEVs are experiencing concerns from customers and corporations similar to those that BPEVs initially had.
Most worries branch from a systemic uncertainty concerning reliable fueling infrastructure. Frequent downtime has become a trend with existing stations, so how can the sector overcome it to rewrite the reputation of hydrogen fuel cells?
What Are Recent Advancements in Predictive Technology?
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is collaborating with Colorado State University on innovative research to advance hydrogen fueling efficiency. A predictive technology called a hydrogen station prognostics health monitoring (H2S PHM) model observes equipment and notifies when attention is needed on its subsystems. Constant data collection makes the systems more accurate at detecting failures based on fueling frequency.
Removing spontaneous disruptions is the objective to bolster driver confidence. Boosting uptime for stations is critical to maximizing the few in operation while more break ground. Otherwise, adoptions will continue to stall. Why is there so much unplanned upkeep?
The intricate and temperamental dispenser system has numerous moving parts that require specific conditions for ideal performance and safety. Customers interact with an interface, the hoses must be secure and valves must maintain flow. What problems does a predictive model solve? H2S PHMs empower refueling stations to leverage predictive analytics for preventive maintenance to:
- Save operative costs
- Increase sustainability with reduced component waste
- Solidify public buy-in
- Expand station availability
- Improve station infrastructure longevity
The model is working through several obstacles to meet expectations. Presently, it is impossible to predict a sudden fire or other unanticipated catastrophes. Additionally, stations will have a learning curve and delay in employing the technology, as the system must depend on the location’s usage behaviors and machinery compositions.
How Does a Predictive Model Work With Hydrogen Fueling?
Hydrogen fueling is more complex than gasoline, but predictive modeling streamlines the process by flattening out potential complications. Workers fix malfunctions proactively during off-peak times instead of reactively when customers need resources the most. The concern may have been exacerbated by this point, resulting in more prolonged and expensive repairs.
Additionally, it eliminates unnecessary resource and time expenditure from misdiagnosed repairs and human error. Excessive parts replacements and disposal reduce market accessibility, which prevents station scalability.
For example, dispensers must compress hydrogen before putting it into the vehicle. Simultaneously, a chiller subsystem must regulate temperatures to prevent storage tank failures and overheating. The H2S PHM model will alert operators about the expected shelf life based on repair history and machine health. Workers no longer worry about how long a machine will be operational.
What Is the Outlook for Hydrogen Fueling?
Station availability is sparse. Hydrogen will not become commonplace if existing locations have a reputation for being out of commission due to unscheduled repairs. Drivers want the same experience from hydrogen fueling as gasoline. Therefore, minimal resistance and self-service functionality are crucial.
Predictive models give agency back to stations and corporations to vie for funding. Arizona’s Nikola recently obtained $58.2 million from regulatory bodies to support hydrogen expansion. This would not be possible without research innovations and promise brought by predictive modeling.
H2S PHM models also allow teams to upskill and become more familiar with the sector. The data illuminates growth opportunities and improves repair quality and productivity for a robust workforce to train the next generation of hydrogen workers.
Testing Predictive Tech to Further Hydrogen Development
Every station depending on this technology will notice increased customer satisfaction, which catches the attention of regulatory actors and private investors alike. Both are essential to increase the world’s station density for an optimistic, hydrogen-powered future.
Jane Marsh, Contributor
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