Loading

What is the pressure in a fuel cell hydrogen tank?

The pressure in a fuel cell hydrogen tank is typically between 350 and 700 bar (5,000 to 10,000 psi). This high pressure is necessary to store a sufficient amount of hydrogen fuel to power the fuel cell and provide an adequate driving range for vehicles equipped with this technology.


Understanding Fuel Cell Hydrogen Tanks


Fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen gas as their primary fuel source. The hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks on the vehicle, typically made of carbon-fiber composite materials. These tanks are designed to withstand the immense pressure required to store enough hydrogen to power the vehicle.


The pressure in the hydrogen tank is a critical factor in determining the vehicle's driving range and performance. Higher pressures allow more hydrogen to be stored in a smaller tank, increasing the vehicle's range. However, the tanks must be engineered to safely contain the high-pressure hydrogen gas, which adds weight and complexity to the vehicle design.


Factors Affecting Hydrogen Tank Pressure


The pressure in a fuel cell hydrogen tank is influenced by several factors:



  • Hydrogen Storage Capacity: The amount of hydrogen that needs to be stored to power the vehicle determines the required tank pressure. Vehicles with longer driving ranges require higher-pressure tanks to store more hydrogen fuel.

  • Tank Design and Materials: The tank's size, shape, and construction materials affect the maximum pressure it can safely contain. Carbon-fiber composite tanks are commonly used due to their high strength-to-weight ratio.

  • Refueling Process: The refueling process involves rapidly filling the tank with high-pressure hydrogen gas, which can reach pressures up to 700 bar (10,000 psi) during the refueling process.

  • Safety Considerations: Hydrogen gas is highly flammable, so the tanks must be designed with robust safety features to prevent leaks or explosions, even in the event of a collision or other accident.


The specific pressure in a fuel cell hydrogen tank can vary depending on the vehicle model and manufacturer, but the typical range of 350 to 700 bar (5,000 to 10,000 psi) is common across the industry.

What is the operating pressure of a fuel cell?


between 3 and 4 bar
PEM fuel cells' typical operating pressure is between 3 and 4 bar, and above 4 bar, there are mass transfer limitations [19]. One study has suggested that an operating pressure of 2 bar yields an optimal system efficiency, especially when using a screw compressor [20].



What is the pressure inside a hydrogen cylinder in PSI?


The pressure inside hydrogen cylinders can range from 350 to 700 bar (5,076 to 10,152 psi), depending on the type and application.



What is the pressure in a hydrogen fuel cell tank?


350–700 bar
Hydrogen can be stored physically as either a gas or a liquid. Storage of hydrogen as a gas typically requires high-pressure tanks (350–700 bar [5,000–10,000 psi] tank pressure).



How many PSI is a hydrogen tank?


5,000 and 10,000 psi
Improved versions of these tanks made of high-strength composite materials are now used to store hydrogen at higher pressures (5,000 and 10,000 psi) to achieve greater driving range in hydrogen-fueled vehicles. High-pressure hydrogen tanks are designed not to rupture and are held to rigorous performance requirements.



What is the PSI of a hydrogen fuel cell?


How Hydrogen Storage Works. Hydrogen can be stored physically as either a gas or a liquid. Storage of hydrogen as a gas typically requires high-pressure tanks (350–700 bar [5,000–10,000 psi] tank pressure).



What is the pressure in a Type 4 hydrogen tank?


Automotive applications generally settle for a type IV vessel which operates as a 700 bar hydrogen tank or a 350 bar hydrogen tank. A typical fuel cell electric vehicle or hydrogen car tank capacity is around 4-6 kg of hydrogen and the weight of the hydrogen tank is around 100 kg.



What is the PSI of H tank?


Locate the oxygen tank pressure gauge at the top of the tank near the valve, with the needle indicating the current PSI (pounds per square inch); a full tank typically reads about 2,000 PSI, and the needle's position decreases as oxygen is used.



What is fuel tank pressure?


The Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) sensor measures positive and negative (i.e., vacuum) air pressure in the fuel tank, which allows the engine or Engine Control Module or Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM) to test for leaks in the Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) control system.



How much PSI is in an H cylinder?


High Pressure Cylinders
Typical high pressures cylinders range from 2,200psi – 2,600psi.



What is the pressure in a liquid hydrogen tank?


Liquid hydrogen tanks typically operate at pressures up to 850 kPa (~123 psi). Most tanks have a maximum pressure of 1,035 kPa (~150 psi), this is the pressure at which the pressure relief device will operate.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.