Briefs: Innovations Improve Hydrogen, Wind, EVs, and Batteries

Electric vehicles and renewable energy are transforming industries worldwide. As more industrial and commercial companies aim for cleaner energy use, manufacturers are developing products for better performance and efficiency.

Among the latest innovations are a 1 MW hydrogen electrolyzer, a space-saving and range-increasing EV battery pack, a long-range wind measuring lidar, grid-edge intelligence, and a powerful electric mining truck.

Innovations in battery packs, lidar, grid-edge intelligence, and electric mining.

1 MW Electrolyzer To Provide Green Hydrogen Production in Italy

Polytec Energy will install an IMI Vivo 1 MW PEM electrolyzer for its H2_Polytech project in Storo, Italy. A 4.4 MWp solar generation system will power the electrolyzer to produce green hydrogen for industrial use.

The IMI Vivo electrolyzer. Image used courtesy of IMI

The IMI Vivo 1 MW PEM Electrolyzer can produce up to 200 Nm³/h of 99.9% pure hydrogen. Designed to work with renewable energy, it fits within an 8 x 40-foot container and can be scaled up. It features remote monitoring to track real-time performance.

The Autonomous Province of Trento selected and funded the project to revitalize disused industrial areas as part of its “Green Revolution and Ecological Transition” plan.

Battery Pack Tech Could Increase EV Range by 50%

24M Technologies has developed a battery packing system designed to increase electric vehicle driving range by up to 50%. The 24M ETOP (electrode-to-pack) system uses thin polymer films to seal electrodes, which then integrate directly into the pack.

Typically, battery manufacturers and automakers build battery packs from individual battery cells, such as lithium-ion batteries. These may contain many inactive materials, such as supporting metals and plastics within their casings, which increase costs and waste space.

The 24M ETOP pack. Image used courtesy of 24M Technologies

Instead, 24M ETOP creates a sealed cathode/anode pair, which allows manufacturers to achieve high density at the pack level. The system works for any battery chemistry. 24M claims the system can increase the electrodes to 80% of the pack’s volume, up from 30-60% in the conventional battery pack.

The sealed electrodes can be used in series or parallel configurations.

ZX Lidars Releases World-First 21-200 Meter Wind Lidar

ZX Lidars’ ZX 300e has achieved the world’s first 21-200 meter International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) classification, ensuring it meets international wind measurement accuracy standards. The ZX 300e has delivered consistent, low-uncertainty data at heights up to 300 meters. The system uses “Midar” technology, which mounts lidar on a 91-meter mast that extends reference measurements up to 300 m above the mast.

The ZX 300e. Image used courtesy of ZX Lidars

The ZX 300e expands on the company’s 300-series Lidar and features improved wind data accuracy, better data availability, wind direction sensing, and reduced power consumption in off-grid operations. It provides a web-based interface for multi-user access.

Landis + Gyr and PLUS ES Partner for Grid Edge Intelligence

Landis+Gyr has contracted with Plus ES to add grid intelligence to Australia’s grid. The multi-year agreement will use Landis+Gyr’s grid edge sensing meters to provide real-time data and insights into operational efficiency.

The sensing meters provide high-resolution data using wireless communication, allowing users to individually manage energy use. The system is scalable and supports third-party edge applications and software. It can enhance grid reliability and help to integrate renewable energy resources and electric vehicle charging.

Landis+Gyr has deployed 6.8 million edge sensing meters, mostly across North America, with 16.5 million under contract. Australia is transitioning to smart meters as part of its sustainability and decarbonization goals.

XCMG To Supply 240-Ton Battery-Electric Haul Trucks in Australia

China-based XCMG has signed a cooperative agreement with iron ore giant Fortescue to provide battery-electric trucks as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to decarbonize mine operations in Australia.

XCMG mining truck. Image used courtesy of XCMG Australia

The huge 240-ton electric haul truck can match diesel trucks’ performance while producing no exhaust emissions. The trucks, with a gross weight of over 840,000 pounds, can carry payloads of over 550,000 pounds. With 2,550 hp drive systems, they can climb 17% grades and reach a top speed of 35 mph.

In a phased delivery plan from 2028 to 2030, XCMG will supply up to 200 trucks, about half of Fortescue’s truck fleet. The remaining half will be replaced under a 2024 agreement with German manufacturer Liebherr.