From research to market application? experience with the German hydrogen fuel project

Abstract

Energy substitution was the priority aspect when R&D work was initiated for hydrogen, among other alternatives, as a fuel in the F.R.G., during the seventies. In a cooperative project industries and research institutions have developed hydrogen vehicle concepts which are now being tested under real traffic conditions in the city of West Berlin. The 10 fleet vehicles are supplied by a central hydrogen service station. This paper describes the history, organization, component and vehicle development, as well as the fleet test results of this joint project which has been and is still being sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Research and Technology. An outlook is given as to how and in what areas the project results may be transferred to the market under short and middle term aspects. There is no doubt that hydrogen as a fuel will retain its high attractiveness for the next century, particularly with respect to environmental protection.