HSU Hydrogen Fueling Station

Engineers from SERC are designing and will install a hydrogen energy station, which will include an electrolyzer, compressor, storage tanks, and a dispenser. The station will be used initially to fuel a single hydrogen powered Toyota Prius to be provided by the California Hydrogen Highway Program (CHHP), with possible future expansion to fuel additional vehicles. Through this program SERC will help demonstrate the potential benefits associated with hydrogen fueled vehicles and will provide a testing ground for learning about the attributes and challenges of this new technology. SERC and HSU will operate, refuel, and perform routine maintenance on the vehicle, and will conduct education and outreach activities associated with the hydrogen powered vehicle.

SERC is scheduled to receive the hydrogen powered Toyota Prius in the first quarter of 2007. The hydrogen powered Toyota Prius is a standard Toyota Prius hybrid internal combustion engine vehicle.  It is modified to run on hydrogen by Quantum Technologies of Irvine, CA.  Quantum removes the gasoline tank and fuel lines and replaces them with high-pressure hydrogen gas cylinders (5000 psig) and stainless steel plumbing lines.  Quantum also modifies the fuel injection system and engine operation parameters to run efficiently and safely on gaseous hydrogen fuel. Due to fuel storage constraints, the vehicle has a limited range of about 60 miles on one tank of fuel.

Artists rendering of fueling station. Drawn by Matthew Marshall.