Walther-Präzision has introduced a new hydrogen refueling system. It allows truck drivers to refuel in times comparable to conventional fuels. A safety device is designed to prevent hydrogen leakage during incidents and thus prevent explosions.
The company offers systems for gaseous hydrogen refueling with pressures of 700 bar or 350 bar. The High-Flow (HF) variant is designed for temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius. According to the manufacturer, these systems enable high flow rates with low pressure drop.
The refueling time is said to be comparable to conventional fuels. This makes the technology particularly attractive for use in trucks, where fast refueling times are crucial. However, they are not only intended for trucks, but also for cars, forklifts, trailers, or other larger consumers.
Preventing Explosions through Emergency Disconnection
Hydrogen refueling generally requires a pressure-tight mechanical fixation of the filling nozzle to the vehicle. For safety reasons, an emergency release coupling, the so-called "Break-Away", is therefore mandatory on every dispensing hose. It is installed in the supply line between the dispenser and nozzle.
If, for example, a vehicle drives away from the pump without uncoupling, this Break-Away separates the fueling hose that is still firmly connected to the vehicle at full filling pressure and interrupts the fueling process. This prevents hydrogen from escaping and forming an explosive gas mixture.
A braking device also ensures that people in the breakaway zone are not injured by the loose hose end. The emergency release device uncouples completely without destruction, so that the refueling system is ready for use again after a few simple steps.
All Components for H2 Refueling
Walther-Präzision supplies several components between the transfer of hydrogen from the pump, the dispenser, and the vehicle. These include:
- the vehicle filling nozzle (the so-called nozzle)
- a suitable high-pressure hose package
- the emergency release device on the fueling hose
- the parking station for the nozzle
The design of the refueling coupling complies with the worldwide standard ISO 17268. According to the manufacturer, the systems enable uninterrupted refueling of multiple vehicles without problems such as icing.
For years, the company has been developing and producing hydrogen refueling solutions for road and rail transport, ships, and commercial fleets. The product portfolio of the manufacturer of coupling and docking systems also includes partially automated quick couplings for testing and validation of hydrogen systems. For this purpose, Walther-Präzision offers, among other things, high-pressure, clean-break, and multi-couplings.
