Swiss start-up New Generation Tanks (NGT) is raising capital to finalise the development and certification of its novel thermoplastic composite hydrogen storage solution.
Promising increased conformability, reduced weight and potential for complete recyclability, NGT is looking to break the mould in composite tank construction.
Using novel pressure tank design and carbon fibre architecture, NGT says it can reduce material use and replace non-recyclable epoxy with thermoplastic polymers.
Constructed by welding carbon fibre with thermoplastics, the start-up says the solution minimises the risk of liner collapse.
While conventional solutions currently see a 40-tonne tube trailer can carry just 400kg of compressed hydrogen, NGT claims its thermoplastic alternatives would allow that volume to be quadrupled to 1,600kg.
Earlier this year, the company said its prototype cylinder “shattered expectations,” when it reached a burst pressure of 1,235 bar – well above the targeted 1,050 bar.
Furthermore, the start-up says its novel, standardised production process will allow it to manufacture longer tanks, making them sit vehicle chassis more easily.
© NGT
“Our production process enables us to make both customised prototypes and large-series pressure tanks,” NGT founder, Gilles Rocher, told H2 View. “Our cylinders are lightweight, easy to integrate into vehicles, recyclable and corrosion resistant.”
With intentions of raising €2-4m ($2.2-4.5m) to grow staff and finalise product development, NGT is looking to get the solution certified under the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED) standard within 18-24 months.
Initially eyeing integration into light mobility vehicles such as bicycles, scooters and drones, Rocher, said the pathway will act as a certification stepping stone to prove the technology’s potential before use in commercial vehicle and gas transport applications.
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