RFPs: Configurable Fuel Cell Powertrain for Non-Road Mobile Machinery

Scope

• The topic aims to demonstrate a configurable fuel cell powertrain capable of being integrated in at least two NRMM applications preferably related to ports or agriculture where one application has a minimum fuel cell power of 200 kW and the other a minimum fuel cell power of 100 kW.
• A performance comparison of the fuel cell powertrain with existing technology (i.e. internal combustion engine) should be part of the demonstration and should clearly show fuel cell powertrain advantages.
• Furthermore, in the development of the configurable powertrain, the same building blocks should be used but configured in different powertrains with a different form factor or a different power level or a combination of both.
• The applications where this NRMM powertrain should be demonstrated include those which are complementary to already funded projects (H2Ports and H2Mac), but excluding the same type of mobile machinery which has already been funded. A complementary application may be one that belongs to the same environment (e.g. port) but is not funded by previous projects (e.g. straddle carrier, Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes, etc), and is expected to go beyond the already demonstrated activities.
• Consortia should choose the application segment(s) based on an impact analysis (cradle to grave approach) showing the sustainability improvement, like the potential for CO2 emission reduction, upon the full segment coverage in Europe compared with the already used technology.
• In particular, a complete analysis of the market potential for the selected application/s and the corresponding CO2 emission reduction has to be a deliverable of the project.
• Following validation in a relevant environment, the demonstration in a relevant environment should be carried out for at least 2,000 hours of operation of an NRMM specific load profile to show the necessary stack lifetime and powertrain reliability. The demonstration hours may include the idles and stops which are naturally included in the typical NRMM application load profile. The 2,000 hrs demonstration should be done on the powertrain with the largest power output. The other powertrain/s demonstration testing should last at least 1,000 hrs.
• Proposals should cover all the following elements:
  • Develop and/or adapt a kit of building blocks which can be assembled into an easily configurable powertrain, including:
    • Fuel cell module/s (compliant with StasHH interface and size standards);Energy management system;
    • Power electronics;
    • Cooling system;
    • Air and fuel management (including appropriate filtration means);
    • Optional components for mitigating the effects of harsh environment;
    • On-board hydrogen storage and equipment for fast refuelling.
  • Develop an overarching software and control structure to effectively combine different building blocks into a fully functioning powertrain including batteries for hybrid operation;
  • Mapping, identifying and disseminating key requirements (operating envelopes, environmental aspects etc.) of different NRMM platforms highlighting those which are in common between them and those which can have an impact on powertrain design and the selection of various building block elements;
  • Analyse operation data and disseminate specific learnings from the FC and hydrogen based NRMM solution compared to incumbent technologies (fossil fueled internal combustion engines and battery-based technologies);
  • Developing solutions, including diagnostics and prognostication methods, to mitigate the impact of harsh environments on fuel cell lifetime and powertrain reliability;
  • Developing strategies and incorporate measures to optimise powertrain efficiency, reliability, and lifetime while considering cleaning and maintenance procedures for all powertrain components;
  • Select and validate a suitable and flexible refuelling solution compatible with the selected NRMM application and compatible with a wide range of end-users’ requirements; This may be done with a comprehensive study that includes simulation and modelling, techno-economic assessments and even RCS considerations. The technical assessment should consider the special conditions as well in which temporary/mobile solutions would have to operate.
  • Perform a Sustainable Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) of the NRMM powertrain solution for at least one relevant case study;
  • Performing a techno-economic assessment to demonstrate the progress toward reducing the powertrain capital cost and identify scale factors which could accelerate this progress.
  • Adequately address regulatory aspects and contribute to prevailing regulations, codes and standards (RCS) activities.
• Consortia for this project should involve at least one NRMM manufacturer, a research institution and a Fuel Cell System integrator.
• In addition, proposals should indicate how learnings from the project will be disseminated, in terms of potential spillover effects to segments other than NRMMs, such HD transport, marine, rail, stationary, etc. The development of single components such as the fuel cell stack, battery (cells & packs) and hydrogen tanks are not in the scope of this topic.

Expected Outcomes

• Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:
  • Extend the deployment of hydrogen and FC based powertrains to NRMM applications, thus establishing and consolidating a European supply chain for FC powertrains and components;
  • Validation of safe hydrogen FC solutions and systems in demanding NRMM applications, contributing to building a European supply chain for FC powertrains and components;
  • Proving efficiency and applicability of hydrogen FC solutions in NRMM applications via necessary improvements gained at system level;
  • Provide a complete calculation of total cost of ownership (TCO) and comparison with incumbent ICE and battery-based technologies;
  • Building confidence in FC technology and hydrogen refuelling for all of the off-road industry sectors and thus accelerating the market uptake;
  • Identification of suitable solutions to any legal or standards barriers likely to prevent the successful introduction of hydrogen FC technology in the various NRMM fields of application;
  • Support the development of next generation, cost competitive commercial/industrial scale Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems from EU suppliers for NRMM and potentially other applications.

Eligibility Criteria

• Any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment, including legal entities from nonassociated third countries or international organisations (including international European research organisations) is eligible to participate (whether it is eligible for funding or not), provided that the conditions laid down in the Horizon Europe Regulation5 have been met, along with any other conditions laid down in the specific call/topic.
• A ‘legal entity’ means any natural or legal person created and recognised as such under national law, EU law or international law, which has legal personality and which may, acting in its own name, exercise rights and be subject to obligations, or an entity without legal personality .
• To be eligible for funding, applicants must be established in one of the following countries:
  • the Member States of the European Union, including their outermost regions
  • the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) linked to the Member States
  • countries associated to Horizon Europe.

For more information, visit EC.