Taking the fuel cell bus in European cities
Fuel cell technology employs state-of-the-art vehicle design to offer many environmental benefits that can be applied to not only cars but also buses. Implementing this technology in Europe would help to promote sustainable transport and lessen dependency on foreign energy sources, which also makes good economic sense. The "Fuel Cell Bus for Berlin, Copenhagen, Lisbon II" project was geared towards establishing the fuel cell propulsion system, unique energy storage systems and a stationary hydrogen refilling infrastructure. These aims highlight the benefits of using zero emission fuel. As a follow-up to the "Fuel Cell Bus for Berlin, Copenhagen, Lisbon" project the goal was to demonstrate the technology that could not be shown during the first phase. Initially, the aim was to develop, construct and implement an electrical storage system and also a hydrogen filling station. The final step was to demonstrate the bus in an inner city. In order to achieve these goals a thorough methodology was required, including the comparison and assessment of different energy storage systems. The creation of a public stationary hydrogen filling infrastructure complete with an emergency hydrogen production facility was undertaken. As a result, an internal combustion engine hydrogen bus and a fuel cell car for the liquid refilling demonstration were showcased. A detailed safety study was conducted as well as a programme to increase safety measures. Despite such significant advancements, more applications of mobile fuel cells are sought as is the heightened infrastructure to support the most effective use of the stationary filling station.
