Novel Approaches to Hydrogen Storage for Cars and Trucks

OVERVIEW

The objective of this Challenge is to identify a hydrogen storage technology—based on using liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs)—that would allow the Seeker to design, as soon as possible, a hydrogen storage tank to be immediately used in existing cars and trucks.

This is a Scouting Challenge seeking a partner or supplier to provide systems or expertise to solve the Seeker’s problem. The Solvers are invited to submit a written proposal to be evaluated by the Seeker with the goal of establishing a collaborative partnership. The Seeker will also consider proposals from the Solvers who propose potentially suitable partners or suppliers for a finder’s fee.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on September 18, 2023.

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THE CHALLENGE

Developing safe, compact, and cost-effective hydrogen storage technologies will open the door to a widespread use of hydrogen as a fuel for cars and trucks.

Current mainstream technology relies on storing hydrogen in compressed form, typically at 350-700-bar pressure. However, under these conditions, the volumetric energy density of hydrogen is still only one seventh of the Diesel fuel. This very low energy density along with the need for high pressure translates into large cylindrical vessels for hydrogen storage, which has a negative impact on cargo space and complicates vehicle design.

The Seeker believes that the most promising approach to creating a compact hydrogen fuel tank is storing hydrogen within or on the surface of liquid compounds called liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), which would allow storing larger quantities of hydrogen in smaller volumes and under low pressure.

The Seeker is therefore looking for technologies based on innovative LOHCs resulting in more compact storage systems and longer driving ranges than the current 350/700-bar tanks.

SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS & ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

The Seeker wants the Solvers to identify innovative LOHC technologies that would ensure, with a minimal amount of additional development, at least a 10% increase in gravimetric energy density (kg of stored hydrogen/kg of storage system) compared to the cryogenic hydrogen tank technology.

Ideally, the proposed technologies will also allow some changes to the fuel tank’s shape that could provide better integration into the existing truck designs.

The Seeker is open to all new ideas and concepts that would fall within the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 7-9 range.

This is a Scouting Challenge, which has the following features:

1. The Seeker will evaluate your submission to determine their interest to contact you for further business and collaboration discussions.
2. If further contact is requested, you can negotiate the terms of the contract (including scope of work, tasks, and duration) directly with the Seeker.
3. The monetary value of any contract will vary depending on the amount of work to be delivered and the agreed upon time frame.
4. The Seeker may subsequently directly request that certain IP arrangements are agreed should a partnership be pursued.
5. The Seeker will also consider proposals from Solvers who propose potentially suitable partners or suppliers for a finder’s fee of $2,000 if the proposed partner is pursued. A list of contacts will not be sufficient; to be considered, the Seeker requires reasonable evidence that the candidate can meet the stated requirements.

YOUR SUBMISSION

Please login and register your interest, to complete the submission form.

The submitted proposals must be written in English and should include:

1. A brief discussion of the Solver’s general ability to provide the resources listed in the requirements section and information that might be useful to the Seeker. The Solver can withhold proprietary information, if necessary, but should provide enough evidence for the Seeker to appreciate the merits of the approach. 
2. An outline of capabilities and relevant prior experience implementing systems similar to the requirements of this Challenge. This should include:
   • Previous cases where the solution has been implemented successfully.
   • The expected benefits of the solution for the purpose of the present Challenge. 
3. The Solver is asked to explain what they can provide and what might be required of the Seeker. For example: “I can provide samples, but I would need the Seeker to run the testing.” 
4. A brief overview of the proposed project (deliverables, timelines, milestones, and cost estimates).

Submissions developed solely with generative AI are not of interest.

Find out more about participation in Wazoku Crowd Challenges.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on September 18, 2023.

Late submissions will not be considered.

Your submission will be evaluated by the evaluation team first reviewing the information and content you have submitted at the submission form, with attachments used as additional context to your form submission. Submissions relying solely on attachments will receive less attention from the evaluation team.

After the Challenge submission due date, the Seeker will complete the review process and make a decision with regards to potential collaboration according to the timeline in the Challenge header. All Solvers who submit a proposal will be notified about the status of their submissions.