Next Mobility Hub - a resilient hydrogen value chain for Passau
The Next Mobility Hub in Passau-Sperrwies is a prime example of sector coupling. In addition to a conventional refueling station and charging stations for e-vehicles, the key element of the Mobility Hub is a particularly efficient hydrogen refueling station. With this, the operator MaierKorduletsch, together with the vehicle manufacturer of the Paul Group, is taking an important step toward low-emission mobility for heavy-duty traffic. The technology required to refuel the targeted up to eight hydrogen trucks per hour is supplied by Maximator Hydrogen, the central German specialist for hydrogen refueling stations. With its MAX Compression System, the company is creating the conditions for fast and effective H2 refueling.
The Next Mobility Accelerator Consortium is a strategic alliance of the Paul and MaierKorduletsch groups together with Shell, which has set itself the goal of creating a nationwide supply of hydrogen as well as a nationwide demand for hydrogen trucks. The project's approach thus runs through the entire value chain of the Next Mobility Hub Sperrwies, which is located at the Passau-Mitte highway exit. This is because hydrogen mobility scores significantly in comparison to e-mobility, especially in the heavy-duty/logistics sector - enabling emission-free mobility with known ranges and refueling times (approx. 15 min for a truck refueling of 30 kg H2). H2 refueling at the two hydrogen dispensers is thus similar to conventional refueling: a familiar, easy-to-use technology, common payment methods, and a communication interface from the refueling station to the vehicle.
The necessary zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles are supplied by the Paul Group of companies, also on the site at the Hub. In a very short time, they have launched a production-ready, eligible, medium-duty hydrogen fuel cell truck with a gross train weight of 24 tons and a range of 450 km. The group has already been able to win well-known partners in the region, such as DHL and Detzer. In addition, the company takes care of the maintenance and service of the vehicles. In this way, the consortium solves the often-named chicken-and-egg problem of H2 refueling and corresponding vehicles and also makes regional value creation complete.
Effective technologies for more than 2,000 kg of hydrogen per day.
The refueling system in Passau consists of two H2 compressors from the manufacturer Maximator Hydrogen. The compressor - called the MAX Compression System - is a hydraulically driven piston compressor that compresses hydrogen to up to 1,000 bar and cools it to -15 degrees for sustained refueling performance. This powerful technology enables refueling of more than 2,000 kg of hydrogen per day across three lanes in the hub. "We are grateful to help shape a groundbreaking project like that of the Next Mobility Accelerator Consortium with our H2 refueling technology. Creating real alternatives for low-emission mobility and motivating logisticians in the region to implement them in practice are important steps towards the energy transition," emphasizes Mathias Kurras, Managing Director of Maximator Hydrogen GmbH.
A special feature of the compressor is a patented seal exchange technology: Automatic Seal Exchange (ASX). Since the seals in particular are subject to a great deal of wear due to the high pressures involved in H2 compression, the seals are replaced automatically (triggered by sensors). As a result, Maximator Hydrogen reduces service and maintenance costs, as well as planned and unplanned facility downtime, to an industry-wide minimum, and provides reliable infrastructure for the region's heavy-duty transportation needs. "We are pleased to have found Maximator Hydrogen as a partner with whom we could build such a high-performance facility. Reliable technologies are the be-all and end-all when it comes to creating acceptance for new forms of propulsion," emphasizes Lorenz Maier, Managing Director of Maier & Korduletsch Tankstellen GmbH.
The hydrogen is delivered in 380 bar pressure trailers. In the future, an electrolysis plant for local hydrogen production is also planned in Pocking at the A3/A94 interchange. In addition to the H2 infrastructure, the Next Mobility Hub also offers a conventional filling station and various e-charging stations. For this purpose, the hub has its own energy concept for generation and consumption, which is quite presently demonstrated by the PV roof system with an output of approx. 230 kWp. In addition, the system is intended to be a scalable concept, so that with this current step a basis is done on which to build. The modular design of Maximator Hydrogen's products further supports this plan.