HSU's Hydrogen Fueling Station with the Hydrogen-Powered Toyota Prius.
Engineers from SERC installed a hydrogen energy station on the Humboldt State University campus. The station includes an electrolyzer, compressor, storage tanks, and a dispenser. The station will be used initially to fuel a single hydrogen powered Toyota Prius 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 hydrogen-powered transportation.
SERC Director Peter Lehman makes the final cut at the opening ceremony as Congr. Mike Thompson (left), HSU President Rollin Richmond (back), and Project Manager Greg Chapman (right) look on. Photo courtesy of Daniel Solomon, Eureka Reporter.
The car is a standard Toyota Prius hybrid internal combustion engine vehicle, 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 80 to 100 miles on one tank of fuel.
SERC celebrated the grand opening of the fueling station on September 4, 2008. Speakers included Congressman Mike Thompson, HSU President Rollin Richmond, Caltrans District 1 Director Charlie Fielder, and SERC Director Peter Lehman. For more information about the grand opening ceremony go to our public relations web page.
HSU's Hydrogen-Powered Toyota Prius. Photo by Kellie Brown, HSU Marketing & Communications.
HSU's Hydrogen Fueling Station is the northernmost fueling station on California's Hydrogen Highway. Visit the California Fuel Cell Partnership's Hydrogen Fueling Station map for more information.
How does HSU's Hydrogen Fueling Station work? » (brochure in PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions about the HSU Hydrogen Fueling Station » (brochure in PDF)
