In Poland the Energy Transition for Personal Mobility Moves Ahead
Worthington Industries has developed hydrogen onboard fueling technology at a working pressure of 700 bar, which Worthington engineers in Poland installed in a Volkswagen T5 bus. In June, the team in Poland took the vehicle for a successful closed-track test drive – demonstrating that the technology is fit for purpose. This success positions Worthington as a key supplier of hydrogen technology for Europe’s energy transition.
In collaboration with Poland’s National Center for Research and Development (NCBR), Worthington Industries initiated a hydrogen storage project for mobility, focusing on passenger cars. The outcome is an innovative type 4 composite tank with a capacity of 82 liters. Operating at a pressure of 700 bar, the tank utilizes carbon fiber, making it strong yet significantly lighter than traditional metal tanks.
“To ensure that our project pilot was a success, we had to address the issue of hydrogen permeability,” explained Andrzej Rydel, Worthington R & D Engineer. “Due to the hydrogen molecule’s small atomic weight, leakage can be a problem. Our design reduces leakage up to four times more than what is required by current regulations. Superior fuel tank impermeability means greater fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The less hydrogen that escapes into the atmosphere unused, the lower the overall environmental impact of hydrogen production.”
The test vehicle, equipped with a FOURTIS type 4 composite tank and fuel cell, generated 90 kW of energy, comparable to diesel engines. Refueling a hydrogen vehicle takes just a few minutes so that that hydrogen gas pumps will offer a user experience similar to conventional gas pumps.
Worthington’s successful test demonstrates the Company’s commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. Hydrogen, a key component of the European Green Deal, is a viable zero-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. As the most abundant element in the universe and on earth, hydrogen holds immense promise for the automotive industry. Worthington’s NCBR project together with its portfolio of storage and transport systems for the hydrogen refueling infrastructure will help the industry drive wide-scale adoption of hydrogen vehicles.
About Worthington
Worthington Industries Europe is the largest designer and manufacturer of pressure vessels in the region with over 1,600 employees working at facilities in Austria, Poland and Portugal. Worthington is the first in its industry to incorporate sustainable practices into its long-term business strategy. With the lightest composite and steel low- and high-pressure cylinders available, Worthington designs and makes solutions for technical gases, industrial gases, and alternative fuels. The Company invests strategically in production facilities that serve the sustainable mobility market with gas-storage, transport and onboard fueling systems for cars, buses, trucks and more.
Worthington Industries (NYSE:WOR) is a leading industrial manufacturing company delivering innovative solutions to customers that span many industries including transportation, construction, industrial, agriculture, retail and energy. Worthington is North America’s premier value-added steel processor and producer of laser welded products; and a leading global supplier of pressure cylinders and accessories for applications such as fuel storage, water systems, outdoor living, tools and celebrations. The Company’s brands, primarily sold in retail stores, include Coleman®, Bernzomatic®, Balloon Time®, Mag Torch®, Well-X-Trol®, General®, Garden-Weasel®, Pactool International® and Hawkeye™. Worthington’s WAVE joint venture with Armstrong is the North American leader in innovative ceiling solutions.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Worthington operates 51 facilities in 15 states and seven countries, sells into over 90 countries and employs approximately 7,500 people. Founded in 1955, the Company follows a people-first philosophy with earning money for its shareholders as its first corporate goal. Relentlessly finding new ways to drive progress and practicing a shared commitment to transformation, Worthington makes better solutions possible for customers, employees, shareholders and communities.
Any questions?
Todd Cesaratto
Director of Communications + Marketing | Europe
Worthington Industries
+43 664 8868 2632
todd.cesaratto@worthingtonindustries.com