Location
HyCentA's (Hydrogen Center Austria) location at the premises of the Technical University of Graz in the Inffeldgasse provides particularly favorable synergy effects concerning infrastructure and research topics, due to the direct proximity to the Institute of Internal Combustion Engines and Thermodynamics (IVT), to the Large Engine Competence Center (LEC) and to the Frank Stronach Institute (FSI). Furthermore, these synergy effects influence positively teaching and research activities of the Technical University of Graz and of the local industry partners.
Address: HyCentA, 8010 Graz, Inffeldgasse 15
HyCentA plant
(2016)
HyCentA plant
(2016)
HyCentA plant
(2016)
Plant Equipment
The plant consists of a supply infrastructure, test centers, a high pressure test bed for 1000 bar, a hydrogen refueling station for 350 bar and 700 bar as well as a cutting-edge fuel cell system test bed.
Supply infrastructure:
- hydrogen conditioner,
- hydrogen-compressor station (up to 450 bar) and dispenser,
- tank for deep cold liquid nitrogen (3.200 liters),
- evaporator unit with an evaporator output of 120 Nm³/h for nitrogen and special gases
The plant is designed for deep cold liquid hydrogen and includes a vacuum insulated tank for 17600 liters deep cold liquid hydrogen, dispenser and two evaporator units with an evaporator output of 150 Nm3/h.
During one of our current projects the infrastructure will be upgraded by the following positions:
- hydrogen compressor station (up to 1000 bar) and dispenser for 700 bar
- hydrogen circulation system (loop system)
- two 350 bar electrolyser modules
Nitrogen tank
Compressor tank
Test Center
HyCentA's test stands are equipped with supply for nitrogen, helium, liquid and gaseous hydrogen (up to 16 bar), modern measurement techniques and sensor technology (infrared camera for insulation assessment) as well as trained specialists.
The test stands will be upgraded by high pressure pipes to provide 350 bar and 700 bar hydrogen in the test facilities in the near future.
Container with 2 test stands
HyCentA's plant will be upgraded by a high pressure test facility within an ongoing project to test, adapt, adjust and verify components and systems with gaseous hydrogen up to 1000 bar.
Europe's most modern fuel cell test infrastructure is currently in its testing stage and will be fully functional during spring 2017.
highly integrated FCS-infrastructure
PEM Fuel Cell-System test bed with Hardware in the loop and simulation of real-usage behaviour of vehicle, driver and drive cycle
- Newest FC-System R&D infrastructure in Europe
- Stationary and mobile PEM applications from 2,5 – 170 kW system power
- Real ambient conditions (automotive standard −40 °C to 85 °C and rH 5 % to 95 %)
- Analysis and optimization of dynamic operation (t90 < 1 s)
- High accuracy measurement equipment (THDA, gas analysis, mass flow, etc.)
Research and development Portfolio:
- Benchmarking of FC Systems and components
- FC System optimization
- Energy management and heat management
- System integration and vehicle simulation
- Investigation of dynamic behaviour during real-usage conditions
- Cold start behaviour and durability
- Automated calibration and DoE
- Detailed thermodynamic and chemical analysis
refueling stations
Fuel pumps for liquid (LH2) and compressed gaseous hydrogen (CGH2 at 400 bar) are used to ensure refueling of FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles).
As stated above, the dispenser will be upgraded by a high pressure compressor in order to meet the SAE J2601 criteria for refueling 700 bar systems with gaseous hydrogen.
Fuel pumps for GH2
Fuel pumps for LH2
