ABB & Avia – Premiere for hydrogen powered mobile fast charging station.
In St. Gallen, the world’s first mobile fast charging station for electric vehicles was put into operation, whose energy source is CO2-free produced hydrogen. ABB Switzerland has contributed charging and converter technology to this pilot project.
As much energy is stored in one kilogram of hydrogen as in 2.8 kilograms of gasoline. This can be converted into electrical energy in a fuel cell without emission. If the hydrogen is produced by the use of renewable energy sources, a CO2-neutral energy cycle.
High charging power independent of the power grid
The hydrogen-powered “kvyreen” fast charger uses the considerable energy density of the element to be able to offer a high charging capacity regardless of the power grid. A prototype is now in operation at the filling station of AVIA Osterwalder AG at Oberstrasse 141 in St. Gallen, where the first hydrogen filling station in eastern Switzerland has also been available since summer 2020.
The driving force behind “kvyreen” is the Swiss company H2 Energy. This is a closed, mobile cube in which the entire technology is integrated. The green hydrogen is converted into electrical energy via a fuel cell, which is then made available for the fast charging of electric vehicles via a converter and a charging station – both solutions from project partner ABB Switzerland.
In pilot operation, the charging capacity of the system amounts to 60 kilowatts. In the later commercial application, the system will be operated with a charging capacity of up to 150 kilowatts per vehicle.
ABB underpins technological leadership in the field of electromobility
Adrian Wachholz, Head of E-Mobility, Market Switzerland.
By participating in this innovative Swiss project, ABB can underpin its global technology and market leadership in the field of electromobility.
“This project is an excellent example of how a mixture of energy sources and technologies will be the optimum for the mobility of the future. Here we are building an important bridge between battery-electric mobility and a green hydrogen ecosystem.”
Thomas Walter, project manager and member of the executive board of H2, on the occasion of the inauguration in St. Gallen on 16 September.
I am very pleased that we can implement this forward-looking world premiere with ABB Switzerland and the other partners as an innovative project Made in Switzerland.
“kvyreen” is a location-independent solution and can be used where the development of a grid-operated fast-charging infrastructure is not or not yet feasible, whether for logistical or economic reasons.
This means that a needs-based charging capacity can always be offered without burdening the local power grid, supplied by hydrogen tankers. “kvyreen” is suitable for a wide range of other applications in order to achieve climate neutrality there. For example, as a replacement for diesel generators, in building technology or in the event sector.
Several Swiss partners involved in the project
“Green” hydrogen is produced by renewable energy sources, i.e. in wind, hydro or solar power plants. Ideally, whenever energy is available in excess and is not needed in the power grid. The hydrogen for the pilot project will be produced with Swiss hydropower.
In addition to H2 and ABB Switzerland, other partners are involved in the project. AVIA is committed to this as an association of companies that actively drive the transition from fuel supplier to energy service provider.
AVIA Osterwalder St. Gallen is further expanding its competence as a supplier of clean energies with the first “kvyreen”. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy supports its research and development phase. EMPA accompanies them with a scientific study.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Premiere für wasserstoffbetriebene mobile SPremiere for hydrogen-powered mobile fast charging station, September 16, 2021
