Experimental prototype for hydrogen tanks with adsorption using ACs and MOFs
Within the framework of research and development activities dedicated to hydrogen storage systems, under the MASTE3RBoost project, Spike Renewables contributed to the design and development of an experimental test rig for the validation of hydrogen tanks under controlled operating conditions, working in close collaboration with the project partners. The test bench represents a fundamental step between the design phase and real-world experimentation, enabling the verification of system behavior in scenarios representative of future industrial applications. The test rig is being built by EDAG at its Bremen facility, within a structured industrial environment suitable for carrying out advanced experimental activities.
General architecture of the test bench
The system was conceived as a modular and reconfigurable platform, jointly developed by the project partners to adapt to different tank configurations and testing modes.
The test bench architecture integrates mechanical solutions dedicated to tank support, gas management systems designed to operate under controlled conditions, and distributed measurement instrumentation aimed at the continuous monitoring of key operating parameters. The design prioritizes functional separation between subsystems and the adoption of scalable solutions, making the test bench suitable for use in subsequent development phases or different experimental campaigns, without exposing proprietary technological elements.
Safety and risk management
The development of the test rig was addressed through a shared “safety by design” approach, consistent with the standards required for experimentation on hydrogen systems. The test bench is designed to operate in a controlled manner even under transient conditions, thanks to continuous monitoring systems, interlock logics, and shutdown procedures that ensure safe management of the entire testing cycle. This approach supports complex experimental activities while reducing operational risks and ensuring a high level of overall system reliability.
Integration between simulation and experimentation
A key feature of the project is the close integration between numerical modeling and experimental activities, developed in collaboration with the partners. The test rig was conceived as a physical extension of simulation activities, enabling comparison between experimental results and theoretical predictions and validation of design assumptions under real operating conditions. This approach allows the collection of high-quality data, useful for the iterative improvement of the developed solutions and for consolidating results in view of larger-scale applications.
A shared platform for hydrogen research
The hydrogen tank test rig represents a shared experimental infrastructure, developed through collaboration between Spike Renewables and the project partners. Participation in this activity strengthens Spike Renewables’ role in the development of advanced hydrogen technologies, contributing concretely to the transition from research to technological demonstration.