Hydrogen test field

The ZBT hydrogen test field is used for testing and further developing hydrogen-related technologies. It is home to our hydrogen test filling station and testing facilities for hydrogen storage systems, as well as facilities for the production and use of hydrogen derivatives.

The ZBT has designed and built a high-pressure test facility for optimising hydrogen filling stations on the site of its hydrogen test field. As this is not a commercial filling station, we can test concepts under real conditions, operate various components and further develop filling station technology.


In addition, there are several electrolysis systems on the test field where ideas for optimising electrolysis technologies are being tested.


Our colleagues who work with hydrogen derivatives, namely ammonia and methanol, also have their plants here and can work on a larger scale on the test field than would be possible in the laboratory.

Key data of the hydrogen test field

  • 3 electrolysis systems using different technologies (PEM, alkaline and SOEC)
  • ‘Low-pressure’ storage up to 200 bar (70 kg) in type 1 bundles
  • Medium-pressure storage up to 500 bar (380 kg) in type 2 and type 4 bundles
  • High-pressure storage up to 900 bar (80 kg) in type 2 bundles
  • 2 compressors (also suitable for booster refuelling)
  • 2 refrigeration machines (max. flow rate 160-180 g/s)
  • 2 dispensers for refuelling at 350, 500 and 700 bar
  • Available refuelling protocols
    • SAE J2601 2010,
    • SAE J2601-2 2014
    • SAE J2601 2016 (incl. MC-Method)
    • Flexibly configurable refuelling

  • Choice of either cooled or uncooled hydrogen delivery at all pressure levels
  • Component test room with all available pressure stages (cooled and uncooled)

 

Wasserstoff-Installationen

Project example

The EU project PRHYDE (until 2021) aimed to develop refuelling protocols for heavy commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks. In this project, ZBT is conducting experimental investigations together with Toyota Motors North America and ITM to calibrate models and validate the developed protocols for 350, 500 and 700 bar.

ZBT-Mitarbeiter betankt einen brennstoffzellenbetriebenen Linienbus an der ZBT-Testtankstelle mit Wasserstoff

Contact Test Field

Head of Department Hydrogen Infrastructure

Dr.-Ing. Christian Spitta
+49 203 7598-4277

Contact Test Field

Head of Department Electrolysis

Dr. Natalia Levin-Rojas
+49 203 7598-4282

Contact Test Field

Group Lead Ammonia Technologies

Dr. Lena Engelmeier
+49 203 7598-2340
Porträt von Lena Engelmeier.

Contact Test Field

Group Lead Methane Technologies

Dr. Ulrich Gardemann
+49 203 7598-1540
Blick durch einen Teststand, ein Wissenschaftler schaut von der anderen Seite hinein

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