Guest Lecture: Daniel Fruhwirt - TUG – Technical University of Graz

-

In today's framework of EU objectives, the decarbonisation of the transport sector is part of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda. Considering Italy, 97% of vehicles in the road transport fleet in 2021 were equipped with thermal engines powered by fossil fuels. Therefore, to improve air quality and reduce CO2 emissions, the European Commission and the European Parliament have provided guidelines and deliberated packages of regulations, including the Fit for 55 package of measures, which provide for the reduction of CO2 emissions, also in the transport sector and according to defined timeframes. In the context of the energy transition in the transport sector, the available propulsion technologies are battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), hybrid vehicles (HEVs or PHEVs) and thermal engines powered by alternative fuels (hydrogen, natural gas (CNG), LNG, biofuels or synthetic fuels). Regarding light road transport (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles), the most promising technologies for decarbonisation appear to be battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen-fuelled fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). In this context, a lesson related to the main safety factors of hydrogen vehicles and refuelling stations are addressed. Especially considering the main components involved in the hydrogen carrier, i.e. the storage system and the delivery system to the FC. Hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as the Toyota Mirai and the Honda Clarity, use hydrogen stored under pressure with levels ranging from 350 bar to 700 bar. Four types of vessels are currently used, two are exploited for stationary applications (filling stations) and are made of steel; the other two are exploited in vehicles and are made of polymeric material. The problem of metal embrittlement and permeation in such vessels is crucial. Another aspect to consider is the operation under thermal stress conditions of the passive safety system installed in all tanks storing hydrogen in vehicles. In such a system, the presence of the TPRD valve is crucial and must be addressed. Methods and procedures to limit the above problems are addressed in the course.

In presenza

Presentazione orale

P.D.2-2 - Settembre