A new research project at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences is researching whether fuel cell technology is suitable for everyday transport of goods.
Another success for Esslingen University of Applied Sciences: the university has now been awarded the contract by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment for a major research project. A consortium headed by the Esslingen-based researchers is researching whether fuel cell technology can be used reliably in trucks and whether it is practical in everyday life. The project called “Reallabor Hylix-B” to receive funding of 840,000 euros.
The plan is to equip a prototype of a fully electric truck with a total weight of 26 tons with fuel cell drive. The truck will then be tested in the Stuttgart area, obstacles should be identified and if possible removed. The scientists will look at both the technical and organizational challenges in practice.
“Electrical operation with hydrogen technology is ideal for heavy commercial vehicles or larger buses,” says project manager Prof. Dr. Ralf Wörner. “The greater the load and the further the distance, the more it is worth using hydrogen. Otherwise, the battery would have to be oversized, ”says the professor. He is the head of the Institute for Sustainable Energy Technology and Mobility at Esslingen University.
A two-year term with setup and operational phase
The project has a duration of two years: of which the construction of the truck will take around 18 months and the operating phase six months. Meanwhile, it is planned to involve experts in order to build a user and market-oriented vehicle. For this purpose, the research consortium is planning various forms of participation in a so-called real laboratory.
Several partners are working on the research project, including Stadtwerke Esslingen and electrify BW.
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences has many years of experience in the field of fuel cells. The university has recently been cooperating in a second major project with the Esslingen district. Heavy vehicles from the road maintenance department are to be operated with fuel cells. The Esslingen University of Applied Sciences is also involved in a research project in Waiblingen. In this way, the city and the district office receive funding for a hydrogen filling station. The concept is authoritative by Prof. Dr. Ralf Wörner was created.
Source: Esslingen University
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