DEEE0011105

The main goal of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of a high flow rate (100 kg/min), cost-effective and safe transfer of liquid hydrogen (LH2) into a rail tank car, and a strategy for mitigating the impact of the resulting losses.

To achieve this goal, the project will design, construct and test in a relevant environment a high fill-rate prototype at industrial scale.

The specific objectives of this project are the following:
1) Identify a step-change approach in LH2 filling performance targeted at HD rail applications;
2) Conduct techno-economic assessments to evaluate energy, process economics, value proposition and environmental benefits;
3) Engage key suppliers for design of specialty components as a part of high fill-rate designs;
4) Provide an equipment-based demonstration of a high rate HD rail filling system enabling future replication; and
5) Positively impact communities through DEIA activities in training and workforce development, and energy equity.

The technical development, performance, and demonstration portion of the project has three major tasks conducted over three budget periods (BP) (Figure 1) designed to ensure the success in achieving the project targets.

Project management and reporting activities as well as community benefit activities are conducted across all budget periods.

The high-level structure of the project is as follows:
• Budget Period 1 (12 months): Task 1-Architecture Design & Optimization
• Budget Period 2 (12 months): Task 2-Engineering Design & Fabrication
• Budget Period 3 (12 months): Task 3- Fill System Integration & Testing

Efforts in Task 1 will focus on the optimization of the LH2 system architecture using transient thermodynamic modeling design to achieve targeted high flow rates (minimum 100 kg/min) while minimizing flash losses, energy requirements and equipment capital cost.

In Task 2, a prototype will be designed based on the configuration selected in Task 1, and the industrial site for the demonstration trial will be selected.

The prototype will be commissioned and operated in Task 3.

Data generated will be analyzed and fill rate and vapor loss rate performance will be confirmed.

The proposal reflects a joint effort among industry (WABTEC), technology providers (LINDE), academia (University at Buffalo) and DOE National Laboratory (Sandia) to decarbonize the freight rail sector.

Linde Engineering North America

BUILDING A CLEAN AND EQUITABLE ENERGY ECONOMY AND ADDRESSING THE CLIMATE CRISIS IS A TOP PRIORITY OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION. THIS FOA WILL ADVANCE THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S GOALS TO ACHIEVE CARBON POLLUTION-FREE ELECTRICITY BY 2035 AND TO “DELIVER AN EQUITABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE, AND PUT THE UNITED STATES ON A PATH TO ACHIEVE NET-ZERO EMISSIONS, ECONOMY-WIDE, BY NO LATER THAN 2050“ TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL AMERICANS. THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY IS COMMITTED TO PUSHING THE FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, CATALYZING CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THROUGH RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND DEPLOYMENT (RDD&D), AND ENSURING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND INCLUSION OF UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

81.087 - Renewable Energy Research and Development

Golden Field Office (GFO) [DOE - EERE]

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) [DOE]

The Woodlands, Texas United States

City-Wide

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office Funding Opportunity Announcement in Support of Hydrogen Shot (DE-FOA-0002920)

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 03/31/25 to 09/30/25 and the total obligations have increased 386% from $1,415,294 to $6,876,467.