HyCO2

HyCO² aims to revolutionize hydrogen compression technology by upscaling and demonstrating an innovative metal hydride (MH) compressor tailored for diverse application ranges across mobility, distribution, and industrial sectors. The project addresses the critical need for efficient, cost-effective, silent and environmentally sustainable compression solutions in a hydrogen-based economy.

The central objective is the development of a modular MH compressor package capable of flexibly addressing varied pressure requirements, from 30 bar for industrial applications, to 300 bar for distribution, and up to 900 bar for mobility applications. This versatility will be validated with a full-scale prototype demonstrating high flow performance (30 kg H2 in 12 minutes at 900 bar) under real-world conditions at a dedicated research facility.
To ensure environmental compatibility and long-term sustainability, HyCO² aims to select and integrate a non-toxic, highly recyclable, and abundantly available metal hydride alloy offering superior performance and durability. 

The project will further explore cost reduction strategies through effective waste heat utilisation and advanced thermal management techniques by means of a sophisticated simulation toolchain, significantly lowering the operational costs of hydrogen compression in targeted applications. In parallel, an innovative hydrogen-based heat box will be developed to enhance the compressor’s flexibility and operational efficiency across various environments and configurations.

By tackling key challenges in hydrogen compression, HyCO² directly supports the objectives of the Clean Hydrogen JU’s Annual WorkProgramme, particularly the advancement of robust, scalable, and sustainable hydrogen technologies. The outcomes of HyCO² will accelerate market readiness and deployment of hydrogen distribution and refueling infrastructure, contributing Europe’s transition toward a low-carbon economy. 

THE ROLE OF FBK

In the project, the Center for Sustainable Energy leads the package of activities related to the study of applications and, in particular, is responsible for

• defining the use cases for the metal hydride compressor technology that will be developed
• defining the detailed CFD and ROM models, and
• developing the dynamic model of the system
• Later in the project, FBK will also be responsible for conducting life cycle assessment and techno-economic analyses.