Compressed H2 System Revealed

INERGY is developing short-term compressed hydrogen systems while researching long-term solutions to advance the feasibility of hydrogen vehicles. In collaboration with Ohio University, INERGY has been working on a totally unique hydrogen storage concept, in which the system would store pure hydrogen in a conformable microstructure, not only allowing the tank to be highly space efficient but also enhancing the strength of the microstructure material due to its very even loading. This project is being presented at the Fuel Cells 2006 Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii from 14-16 November.

With today’s automobile industry facing increasingly strict emissions regulations, OEMs and their suppliers are concentrating R&D efforts on finding solutions that meet these regulations.

Fuel Cells release energy from the reaction of hydrogen with a catalyst and oxygen. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles emit only pure water vapor as exhaust, so it’s a clean, true zero-emissions technology. As the leading Tier One supplier of fuel systems to the world’s major car manufacturers, INERGY’s focus is on the improvement of hydrogen storage and distribution systems and the optimized integration of hydrogen tanks into Fuel Cell cars.

With a strategy based on innovation, environmental protection and sustainable development, INERGY has formed vital partnerships to contribute to the perfection of beautiful high-performance vehicles that do not pollute, like that with Lincoln Composites, for whom INERGY is developing H2 solutions. An ongoing partnership with DaimlerChrysler too was forged over a decade ago when INERGY developed methanol storage systems for the OEM. In order to study the fuel storage system, its performance and possible ways of improving the range, Inergy Automotive Systems put their DaimlerChrysler F-Cell to the test on the Milan racetrack in Michigan, USA and proved, this summer, that the zero-emissions fuel-cell is faster than expected.

INERGY’s commitment to advancing green fuel systems can be seen in their innovations to gasoline and diesel fuel systems, including technologies to drive the fuel system electronically. INERGY also offers innovative on-board diagnostics, venting, refuelling and delivery solutions.

As a proven automotive industry pathfinder, INERGY’s performance in product quality, innovation and customer satisfaction will ensure the company remains the world plastic fuel systems leader, even with alternative fuels.

About INERGY

Inergy Automotive Systems was founded in 2000 as a joint venture combining the plastic Fuel Systems operations of Plastic Omnium and Solvay S.A. Today, the company is the leading Tier One supplier of plastic Fuel Systems to the major car manufacturers.

Headquartered in Paris, France, Inergy Automotive Systems employs approximately 4,500 people worldwide and operates 24 manufacturing facilities in 18 countries.

Inergy Automotive Systems remains at the forefront of pioneering technology which is a major factor in its competitiveness, pride and success.