Hydrogen tractor project underway at Valencia

Port of Valencia will test the new tractor during real operations at the VALTE terminal of the Grimaldi Group, as one of the pilots to be tested within the framework of the European H2PORTS project.

The 4×4 RORO tractor was developed by ATENA, a research and technology hub composed of universities, research institutes and private companies mainly based in the Campania Region of Italy.

Feasibility study

Refuelling and operation tests will be conducted under the supervision of the technical team of ATENA, VALTE, Grimaldi Group, Centro Nacional del Hidrógeno, Carburos Metálicos and Fundación Valenciaport, as coordinator of the initiative.

The terminal tractor has a fuel cell/battery hybrid powertrain which allows the vehicle to perform all the intensive tasks that are required during roll-on/roll-off operations. Its hydrogen storage system, made of four Type 3 cylinders (350 bar), has an overall capacity of around 12 kg, which guarantees a continuous operation of at least six hours before refuelling, the average duration of a working shift.

Its electric motor is a light and efficient device, particularly suitable for power demanding applications. It is fed by a high-performance LiFePO4 battery, with 25 kWh energy capacity and a 70 kW Ballard fuel cell module.

In particular, the electric motor can receive power for traction from the fuel cell and battery simultaneously or charge the battery during braking or decelerations. At the same time, the fuel cell can provide power both to the electric motor and the battery, if needed.

The hybrid powertrain shows high operational efficiency, since it takes advantage of a significant share of kinetic energy recovery, up to 25%.

The H2Ports project entails a total investment of €4 million and involves, in addition to Fundación Valenciaport and the Port Authority of Valencia, the National Hydrogen Centre, and the private companies MSC Terminal Valencia, Grimaldi Group, Hyster-Yale, ATENA Distretto Alta Tecnologia Energia Ambiente, Ballard Power Systems Europe, Carburos and Enagás.