The technology leader AVL continues to invest in the expansion of innovative drive systems and has opened a new test centre for hydrogen technologies at its Graz location. Covering 600 m² it houses 20 high-performance test stands. With a total test capacity of 2 MW, the test facility is one of the largest and most advanced in the world.
Green hydrogen is a key enabling technology in promoting sustainable mobility. It is produced in a climate-friendly manner via electrolysis, using electricity from renewable sources. Then as a gaseous fuel, it can be converted back into electrical power through a fuel cell in the vehicle. So, e-trucks and e-ships can move and e-planes take off. The AVL technology group has been involved in the production and use of hydrogen for over 20 years. This will continue in the new test centre in Graz where new technologies are put through their paces. The 600 m² test centre provides space for 20 test stands for conducting research on different drive as well as hydrogen generation systems.
With a power capacity of 2 megawatts, the facility is one of the largest in the world. It has also been designed to meet future high-performance requirements and testing of polymer electrolyte fuel cell systems (PEM) up to a capacity of up to 1 megawatt. These systems are particularly robust, adapting to abrupt power fluctuations in a matter of seconds and offer a high, overall current density. They will contribute to decarbonisation of heavy goods transport. Along with the centre, the infrastructure has also been put in place to supply it with sufficient hydrogen.
Green hydrogen as the energy carrier of the future
Green hydrogen is a key enabling technology in promoting sustainable mobility. It is produced in a climate-friendly manner via electrolysis, using electricity from renewable sources. Then as a gaseous fuel, it can be converted back into electrical power through a fuel cell in the vehicle. So, e-trucks and e-ships can move and e-planes take off. The AVL technology group has been involved in the production and use of hydrogen for over 20 years. This will continue in the new test centre in Graz where new technologies are put through their paces. The 600 m² test centre provides space for 20 test stands for conducting research on different drive as well as hydrogen generation systems.
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AVL has recognised a long time ago that green hydrogen is an indispensable, climate-friendly part of the energy mix and has invested €20 million in the construction of the test centre. The company’s hydrogen business contributes ten percent to the total turnover of AVL as well as bringing added value and innovation to Styria.
