H2-powered vehicles, alongside hybrid and electric powertrains, are gaining increasing attention and are poised to secure a significant market share as potential alternatives to traditional thermal engines. The adoption of national hydrogen strategies, aimed at accelerating decarbonization and climate objectives globally, serves as a primary driver for this trend.
While battery electric drive systems are expected to dominate future vehicle markets, a multitude of engine manufacturers have already introduced both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles equipped with H2 propulsion systems, encompassing H2 combustion or electric propulsion through fuel cells. Consequently, as the demand for cleaner transportation alternatives continues to rise, H2 powertrains are positioned to emerge as a notable focus in the foreseeable future due to their capacity to provide extensive autonomy ranges with swift refueling times.
However, certain challenges confront H2 propulsion systems, necessitating resolution to solidify their viability for transportation purposes. Examples include the management of condensates in the tailpipe or the optimization of fuel storage and injection systems. Notably, one of the principal challenges arises from the air management system performance optimization, crucial for boosting both H2 internal combustion engine (ICE) and fuel cell units using ambient air, and significantly influenced by altitude, whether for terrestrial or aerial applications.
In response to these challenges, Horiba has developed a comprehensive testing system enabling the study of ambient conditions' effects, particularly altitude, on H2-powered vehicles. This system facilitates validation of individual components as well as entire vehicle systems, enabling users to navigate the early stages of development by conducting simulations. Consequently, this approach mitigates validation costs and accelerates time-to-market, thus advancing the integration of H2 powertrains into the transportation sector.