Welcome to our continuing H2X’s series on why zero-emission hydrogen-powered vehicles are the future, we now turn our focus to hydrogen safety, highlighting H2X’s bulletproof tanks. Debunking the tank tales.
Design around hydrogen:
Unlike petrol, which risks flammability and accumulation beneath vehicles, hydrogen’s lighter-than-air nature allows for safe dispersal into the atmosphere in the unlikely event of a leak. At H2X we prioritise safety and understand Hydrogen, our vehicle designs incorporate Hydrogen escape paths away from passenger compartments to mitigate any potential risks.
Bullet proof hydrogen tanks:
H2X’s hydrogen tanks are crafted from Carbon fibre at twice the industry standard for bulletproof cars. This extra carbon enhances our tanks’ structural integrity and opens the door to some read worthy testing possibilities.
Toyota and the United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) have researched the resilience of Type IV, 700 bar hydrogen tanks (like those designed by H2X) against external threats. These tests included the rigorous External Violence Safety Test on the tanks’ ability to withstand diverse levels of ballistic impact while still ensuring a controlled release of hydrogen. Bob Carter, Toyota’s SVP for Automotive Operations, emphasized the tanks’ resilience in his speech to the Automotive News World Congress, highlighting their ability to withstand small and large calibre bullets. Similarly, TARDEC’s ballistic live fire tests underscored the tanks’ durability, with only armour-piercing rounds penetrating the Hydrogen Tank, leading to controlled venting without catastrophic failure.
And just when you thought the crescendo complete, TARDEC elevated the stakes by firing a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) at a Type IV Hydrogen Tank. Upon impact, the hydrogen tank was found to be penetrated by the RPG and vent swifty . However, even under such extreme conditions, Hydrogen tank displayed remarkable resilience, remaining otherwise intact, limited shrapnel, and avoided catastrophic bursting.
Beyond Bulletproof
Modern hydrogen tanks also incorporate advanced valves inspired by professional high-pressure firefighting systems, designed to promptly respond to any pressure, thermal, or impact activity. With multiple layers of materials, including additional carbon fibre composites and flame-resistant compounds, our tanks prioritize safety while facilitating rapid and controlled hydrogen release in case of malfunction.
Legislation and Continuous Improvement
Despite historical misconceptions, hydrogen technology has been utilized for industrial purposes for nearly two centuries, ensuring stringent safety standards. H2X Global remains committed to ongoing improvement, actively engaging with global communities and regulatory bodies such as the US DOE’s (Department of Energy or Energy Department)) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office and the AIChE to advance safety measures and best practices.
As we embark on this journey towards a sustainable transportation future, H2X Global invites our partners, collaborators, and customers to join us in driving the change towards hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Follow H2X Global’s journey towards safer, sustainable transportation on our website and social media channels.
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