A key aspect to this project is using the hydrogen refuelling system SolHub and the associated Lynx HySnow snowmobile. The zero-emission, low-noise and powerful hydrogen drive once again proves its great potential when replacing conventional combustion engines in different types of vehicles.
The reduction of noise and pollution as well as the possibility of using renewable energy sources are major issues, also in alpine sports regions. The declared objective of the HySnow project, which has been funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) and the Climate and Energy Fund, is to create a zero-emission energy cycle for the tourism regions of the Alps. The entire chain, from the photovoltaic system and hydrogen production, including the refuelling system, to the vehicle prototypes themselves, has therefore been developed, installed and tested under real operating conditions at the Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm ski resort. The project presentation took place during the 2020 FIS Ski World Cup.
Fronius provides important components
It is crucial that snowmobiles and other vehicles provide as much power as possible at a low weight and are reliable in low temperatures. Short refuelling times and comparatively long range ensure high vehicle availability for mountain rescue or maintenance service staff. The fuel required – green hydrogen in this example – is generated using a 34.5-kilowatt PV system. This is directly coupled with an electrolysis module with a downstream compressor, thus establishing a 350-bar tank infrastructure. Fronius provides the project with important components for the refuelling system infrastructure and the two Fronius Symo inverters are the energy source for producing hydrogen from solar power.
While we are in the Alpine region, this might also interest you:
Self-sufficient mountain refuge
Several project partners came together to share their know-how as part of the “White mobility revolution” project with HySnow. BRP-Rotax GmbH&CoKG is the consortium leader of the four-year project and is being supported by Fronius International GmbH, HyCentA Research GmbH, the Institute of Electrical Measurement and Measurement Signal Processing (EMT) of TU Graz, Elring Klinger AG, ECuSoL GmbH and Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen AG as project partners. (mfo)
