Hydrogen fuel cells have never been more popular – they’re lightweight, durable and safe solutions, offering greater range and power than traditional battery sources.
AMS Composite Cylinders has been at the forefront of hydrogen storage solutions on land, on the move and in the air! From powering uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to breaking distance records and enhancing the range of the world’s first hydrogen bikes, AMS Composite Cylinders’ cutting-edge technology has been pivotal in advancing hydrogen-based applications. In this blog, we’ll run through AMS’ history of hydrogen cylinders and look at why hydrogen could be the future of fuel for many applications.
We have lift off…
All the factors that make hydrogen cylinders so appealing – their lightweight durability and safety record – make them especially suitable for flying, where every kilo counts. We’ve worked with clients across the UK and Europe to provide the next generation of hydrogen fuel cells, and also offer lightweight and durable carbon composite cylinders in custom sizes to meet various system specifications.
One example is our work with ISS Aerospace, the UK’s leading developer of autonomous aerial systems. AMS Composite Cylinders powered their modular hydrogen fuel cell UAV platform, giving the first ‘off-the-shelf’ UAV of its kind the power and durability it needed. The unique air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell module is powered by a 3L AMS cylinder, providing up to 120 minutes of flight time while allowing the UAV to carry a wide range of payloads.
AMS Type 3 carbon composite cylinders are some of the lightest available on the market. Our cylinders offer high pressure (300 bar) for increased capacity per kilo, enabling the creation of fuel cell systems with higher power-to-weight ratios. They’re lightweight, durable, and have a greater range than traditional lithium batteries, making them a highly attractive solution. Plus, if there is an accident and the cylinder is pierced, AMS composite cylinders have been designed to disperse the gas safely.
Long-distance world records
Our hydrogen cylinders for fuel cell systems aren’t just the ideal solution for cutting-edge drone technology; they’ve also been instrumental on land.
AMS Composite Cylinders were vital as the Eco-Runner team reclaimed the hydrogen distance record in 2023. The lightweight and high-pressure AMS Composite Hydrogen Cylinders were integral to the 2023 world record, as the Eco-Runner team drove well over 2,000km on a single kilo of hydrogen.
Our lightweight, durable, and strong cylinders were the perfect partner for the Eco-Runner team, helping minimise weight and maximise efficiency. We were excited to participate in a project demonstrating the power and efficiency of hydrogen-powered vehicles, showcasing the potential for clean and sustainable transportation solutions.
Powering the world’s first hydrogen bike
Our lightweight, high-pressure-pressure AMS Composite Cylinders have also been part of other record-breaking pursuits on the ground. Our high-pressure hydrogen fuel cell powered the world’s first hydrogen bike, increasing the maximum range of the Pragma Industries Alpha hydrogen bike by 50%. They were tested at the G7 World Summit, with a fleet of the world’s first hydrogen bikes providing sustainable transport for event journalists.
Our ultra-lightweight, non-limited-life, high-pressure (300 bar) carbon composite gas cylinder pushed Alpha’s maximum range from 100km to 150km. The hydrogen cylinder provides a higher range than e-bikes powered by traditional lithium batteries, without some of the negative side effects, including waste disposal, resource depletion or dangerous working conditions.
Why Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems could be the future of clean transport
Overcoming challenges
Hydrogen has long been considered the clean energy source and solution of the future. However, several issues have prevented hydrogen from becoming more prevalent in the market.
Thanks to the rise in hydrogen fuel filling stations, it’s becoming easier to top up your tank. Hydrogen fuel cells are also ideal for large fleets of sustainable vehicles – including bikes and cars, as we’ve seen above – providing a clean, powerful and safe energy source. With sustainability targets being set by the UK, sustainability is an increasingly important business driver – and one that hydrogen can deliver on.
Conclusion
The benefits of AMS Composite Cylinders’ hydrogen cylinders are many and exciting. Their lightweight and robust construction enhances hydrogen-powered vehicles’ overall efficiency and performance, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. With AMS cylinders, users can experience extended operating ranges, improved energy density, and enhanced safety, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
About AMS Composite Cylinders
At AMS Composite Cylinders, we specialise in supplying high-quality gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders to a wide variety of industries around the world – with Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 cylinders available in standard and custom sizes for a full range of healthcare and homecare applications.
Supplying clients across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, we produce cylinders to a wide range of recognised global standards, holding accreditations in all major markets worldwide.
AMS Composite Cylinders Manufacturers to ISO and EN Standards (including ISO-11119-2, ISO 11119-1, EN 12245, EN 12257, ISO 7666, and ISO 11118) and the requirements of UN PED/TPED, DOT (USA) and TC (Canada). Cylinders hold Rho ρ marking for the UK.
Please contact us today for additional information about AMS Composite Cylinders or to order.