- Innovative sLH2 Technology: Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering have developed a new process for handling subcooled liquid hydrogen, significantly enhancing hydrogen refueling efficiency.
- Enhanced Performance: The sLH2 method offers higher storage density, faster refueling, and greater range, with reduced costs and improved energy efficiency.
- Infrastructure Leap: The new technology halves the investment for hydrogen refueling stations and slashes operational costs, marking a major stride in decarbonizing transportation.
Leinfelden-Echterdingen and Pullach, Germany — In a significant advancement towards decarbonizing transportation, Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering have introduced a groundbreaking hydrogen refueling process. The new technology, known as subcooled liquid hydrogen (sLH2), is set to revolutionize the hydrogen fuel infrastructure with its enhanced efficiency and performance.
Developed over several years, the sLH2 process utilizes an innovative pump to slightly increase the pressure of liquid hydrogen, turning it into subcooled liquid hydrogen. This state of hydrogen enables a more robust and energy-efficient refueling process. Notably, the sLH2 method does not require data transmission between the refueling station and the vehicle, simplifying the overall solution.
Key benefits of the sLH2 technology include a higher storage density and faster refueling times. A 40-ton heavy-duty truck can be refueled in just 10 to 15 minutes, carrying 80 kg of liquid hydrogen sufficient for a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. Furthermore, the investment required for a hydrogen refueling station is reduced by two to three times, while operational costs are five to six times lower compared to existing technologies.
The pilot refueling station, capable of handling 400 kg of liquid hydrogen per hour, demonstrates a significant increase in refueling capacity compared to traditional liquid or gaseous hydrogen refueling methods. This simplicity and enhanced performance position sLH2 as a superior choice in the shift towards cleaner energy sources in transportation.
Today, liquid hydrogen is reliably supplied throughout Europe, and with the introduction of sLH2 technology, Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering are leading the charge in creating a more sustainable and efficient future in transportation logistics.