Tag Archives: hydrogen fuel

Toyota’s New Hydrogen Cartridges Could Make EV Charging Obsolete

Posted on by

Toyota is transforming the way we think about energy. No longer just focused on automobiles, the company is exploring new avenues to make hydrogen a mainstream energy source for a wide range of uses. This October, at Japan Mobility Bizweek, Toyota will unveil its portable hydrogen cartridges for the first time. These cartridges have been designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. With a sleek cylindrical form reminiscent of oversized AA batteries, the design prioritizes portability and ease of use. The clean, minimalistic lines and ergonomic handles ensure the cartridges are easy to carry and seamlessly integrated into various environments, from automotive applications to home use. Toyota will unveil its portable hydrogen cartridges, showcasing them for the first time between October 15th and 18th. These cartridges are set to revolutionize hydrogen energy by providing a swappable and portable power solution for next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Designer: Toyota

Image: Toyota

Initially developed by Woven, Toyota’s mobility technology subsidiary, these cartridges have evolved significantly since their first prototype in 2022. Today, they are lighter, more compact, and convenient to transport—qualities honed through Toyota’s extensive experience refining hydrogen storage for its fuel cell vehicles. Imagine a hydrogen cartridge that can be carried effortlessly, powering your car and a range of other devices in your daily life.

Image: Toyota

Toyota’s vision goes far past the traditional confines of electric vehicles that rely on charging infrastructure or hydrogen-powered vehicles dependent on refueling stations. Instead, this approach focuses on versatility and convenience. When your FCEV needs power, you can swap in a fresh hydrogen cartridge—eliminating the waiting time of conventional charging. Outside the automotive world, these cartridges could also power home appliances, providing energy for cooking or serving as a backup during emergencies. Toyota’s collaboration with Rinnai Corporation to develop a hydrogen-powered stove highlights how these cartridges could transform everyday energy usage.

Image: Toyota, swappable and portable power solution for next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Like household goods, Toyota envisions a whole hydrogen ecosystem where cartridges can be delivered, swapped, and reused. The convenience of exchanging empty cartridges for filled ones eliminates the need for an extensive hydrogen pipeline infrastructure, making it possible to enjoy clean energy with minimal grid dependence. Moreover, these cartridges could harness hydrogen from renewable energy sources like wind and solar, integrating clean power into everyday use and advancing Toyota’s mission to achieve net-zero emissions.

Image: Toyota

These cartridges could power off-grid locations, serve as emergency energy backups, or even be used in portable cooking appliances. Toyota is also demonstrating a hydrogen-powered stove, showcasing another practical application for these hydrogen packs. During emergencies, a hydrogen cartridge can be removed from the vehicle and used to power various devices, providing critical energy when it’s needed most.

Toyota’s broader vision for sustainability also includes other cutting-edge initiatives that will be presented at Japan Mobility Bizweek. The Liquid Hydrogen-Powered GR Corolla, which has been competing in endurance races since 2023, demonstrates the performance capabilities of hydrogen fuel in motorsports. Another significant showcase is the Sweep Energy Storage System, which repurposes old batteries from electric vehicles to stabilize renewable energy supplies by coupling them with wind and solar power systems. These projects highlight Toyota’s effort to build a sustainable energy ecosystem, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.

Image: Toyota

With electric vehicle adoption not accelerating as quickly as many automakers hoped, hydrogen technology is being reconsidered as a viable alternative, and Toyota is not alone. Automakers like Hyundai, BMW, and Honda are also investing in hydrogen, recognizing its potential as a clean, adaptable fuel source. Toyota’s vision for portable hydrogen cartridges could be the solution that moves hydrogen from concept to reality, offering a tangible, everyday energy solution—powering everything from cars to kitchens.

Image: Toyota

The post Toyota’s New Hydrogen Cartridges Could Make EV Charging Obsolete first appeared on Yanko Design.

Zaha Hadid Designs Revolutionary Hydrogen Refueling Station for Sustainable Boating

Posted on by

Zaha Hadid Architects, renowned for pushing the boundaries of architectural design, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking project in collaboration with NatPowerH—a subsidiary of the NatPower group. The NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station is poised to become the world’s first green hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and it’s specifically tailored for Italy’s boating industry. With plans to deploy 100 stations across the Mediterranean in the next six years, this ambitious project aims to address environmental concerns and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from recreational boats.

Designers: Zaha Hadid Architects and NatPower H

At the helm of this initiative is NatPower H, a pioneering global developer of innovative technologies for the production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen. The €100 million investment will kickstart the installation of the green hydrogen infrastructure in the summer of 2024, with a vision to establish 100 refueling stations throughout the Mediterranean by 2030.

The NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station spans 50 square meters and stands out for its commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources. Through a combination of wind, solar, and other sustainable technologies, the station generates hydrogen while emitting only water vapor and warm air—making it a trailblazer in eco-friendly hydrogen production.

Zaha Hadid Architects has designed the NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station with a focus on scalability, sustainability, and safety. The modular nature of the station allows it to adapt to diverse locations across the Mediterranean. This adaptability ensures that each refueling station can be customized based on specific location needs, such as seating arrangements, pedestrian turnover, size, and facilities for bike charging.

In terms of construction, the NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station incorporates innovative 3D robotic material placement. This technology enables the creation of fully recyclable, dry-assembled masonry, minimizing construction waste. The design draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the striated structures and fluid geometries inherent in Mediterranean landscapes and marine ecosystems.

The circular construction of the refueling stations aligns with NatPower H’s commitment to circularity and the preservation of marine ecosystems. Through the use of low-carbon concrete generated through geometric design rather than increased material usage, the structural materials required are reduced by up to 50%, without compromising performance.

NatPower H’s green hydrogen infrastructure aims to revolutionize the recreational boating industry by creating a network of sustainable energy hubs in major Italian marinas. The initiative responds to the increasing demand for sustainable vessels in the face of ecological concerns. The establishment of protected marine areas worldwide, prohibiting the use of diesel engines, underscores the industry’s need for ecologically sustainable developments.

Collaborating with Zaha Hadid Architects, NatPower H ensures that the construction of the green hydrogen refueling stations adheres to the highest safety standards. The partnership leverages Zaha Hadid Architects’ expertise in modular systems and adaptable designs, allowing for customized configurations based on the unique requirements of each location.

In a broader strategic move, NatPower H has also partnered with Bluegame, a renowned yacht builder, to provide green hydrogen for hydrogen-powered chase boats participating in the upcoming 37th America’s Cup. This collaboration exemplifies the potential benefits of establishing and distributing green hydrogen in the rapidly growing sustainable boating market.

The NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, represents a landmark project in the transition towards sustainable marine transportation. With its innovative design, commitment to circular construction, and strategic partnerships, this project is set to redefine the future of green hydrogen infrastructure in the recreational boating industry, paving the way for a more eco-friendly and sustainable maritime sector.

The post Zaha Hadid Designs Revolutionary Hydrogen Refueling Station for Sustainable Boating first appeared on Yanko Design.