H2 MEET(Mobility Energy Environment Technology) 2024 is Korea’s largest specialized hydrogen business exhibition and conference and is one of the most influential hydrogen events in the world.
A high-efficiency liquid hydrogen storage and supply system for commercial vehicles is displayed at LIBECO E&C’s booth during the ‘H2 MEET Hydrogen Exhibition’ held on the morning of the 25th at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. /Photo courtesy of LIBECO E&C
Korean hydrogen technology specialist LIBECO E&C has developed a high-efficiency liquid hydrogen storage and supply system for commercial vehicles. As hydrogen storage and supply technology is a core technology in the hydrogen economy, this development is expected to facilitate an easier transition from less efficient gaseous hydrogen to liquid hydrogen.
On the 25th, LIBECO E&C announced that they have developed a high-efficiency liquid hydrogen storage and supply system for commercial vehicles. According to LIBECO E&C, this system incorporates a zero-loss hydrogen energy system that prevents the external release of BOG (Boil-Off Gas). When significant BOG is generated during the storage, transportation, and supply of liquid hydrogen, it causes increased pressure, resulting in liquid hydrogen loss. Therefore, controlling BOG is crucial in liquid hydrogen storage and supply, and this system applies technology that minimizes hydrogen energy loss. Additionally, the system incorporates a thermal management system that utilizes the cryogenic energy of liquid hydrogen. Through these features, LIBECO E&C has secured superior competitiveness in energy efficiency and driving range compared to competitors. The system is also designed for easy hydrogen leak detection and maintenance, enhancing operational safety and durability of liquid hydrogen use.
This system will be exhibited at the ‘H2 MEET Hydrogen Exhibition’ being held from the 25th to 27th at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. LIBECO E&C explained, ‘In particular, this system is equipped with an automatic valve for liquid hydrogen mobility applications. This represents unparalleled technology in the domestic market, as it is the world’s first to be developed in Korea and applied to commercial vehicles.
LIBECO E&C plans to enter the U.S. market based on this technology. The company aims to make a full-scale entry into the global market through demonstrations of liquid hydrogen commercial vehicles in the United States, where the heavy-duty truck market is about 25 times larger than in Korea. Early next year, a U.S. national laboratory and a major global oil company will jointly conduct liquid hydrogen fueling and discharge tests. Following these liquid hydrogen storage demonstrations, the company plans to first enter the U.S. commercial vehicle conversion market by installing the developed liquid hydrogen storage and supply system in commercial vehicles, particularly trucks and buses. A LIBECO E&C representative stated, ‘We are in ongoing discussions with partners from various fields regarding the development of automated processes and establishment of production lines to reduce future manufacturing costs.
CEO Yong Seog Kim of LIBECO E&C stated, ‘While there has been ongoing investment in liquid hydrogen-related national R&D projects in Korea, it is particularly significant that we have developed the country’s first liquid hydrogen storage and supply system for commercial vehicles through private investment from a small-to-medium enterprise, without any government research funding.’ He added, ‘With our innovative technology, we will lead the development of the eco-friendly hydrogen commercial vehicle industry and secure long-term growth momentum by gaining first-mover advantages in the global market.
* Original article: https://www.chosun.com/economy/industry-company/2024/09/25/UUOCGWCWHNHY7OA44XSRVFE464/