Technologies and services

SCOPE

Hydrogen storage and distribution

Maturity Level

TRL 3

Development Level

 Prototype

Metal hydride loading estimation

Entity:

Hydrogen storage in metal hydride tanks presents the difficulty of knowing the amount of hydrogen contained in the tanks and, in addition, it is not possible to fit sensors to the system in a simple way. In this regard, we have developed on-line parameter estimation systems that are capable of inferring the state of loading without the need to measure it directly. These estimators are algorithms based on models and some accessible data that allow knowing the amount of hydrogen in the tank at any instant of time. 

Challenges met

  • Careful thermal modelling of the loading and unloading processes 
  • Estimation of the state of loading (mass of hydrogen contained) in metal hydride tanks 
  • Minimisation of the number of sensors

Scope of application

  • Companies developing fuel cell systems for robotic applications, indoor vehicles, boats, specialised remote stationary systems 

Main publications

Related projects

  • DOVELAR – Control and energy management of hybrid electric vehicles based on fuel cells 

 

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