Hyfindr Tech Talks Hydrogen | Fuel Cell | Technology

#19 – Hyfindr Tech Talks – Hydrogen Tank Systems & Refueling | Jan Andreas – Argo-Anleg

What actually makes up a hydrogen tank system—and how do you refuel safely at 350/700 bar? In this episode of Hyfindr Tech Talks, Jan Andreas (Argo-Anleg) joins Steven Oji to break down complete hydrogen storage systems for vehicles and vessels. From the on-tank valve (OTV) and thermal pressure relief device (TPRD) to the integrated gas handling unit (GHU) with sensors, solenoid valves, and pressure regulation, Jan explains how systems deliver hydrogen at the right pressure to fuel cells or H₂ ICEs. They also cover refueling protocols, IR communication between vehicle and dispenser, temperature management (pre-cooling to ~–40 °C and tank 65 °C limits), and real-world deployments—from buses and 40-ton trucks to swappable MEGC cartridges on a hydrogen push boat. You’ll learn about: * System boundaries: refueling interface, tanks with OTV/TPRD, GHU block, outlet to fuel cell/engine * Pressure & regulation: stepping down 350/700 bar to stack/application requirements * Sensing & control: pressure/temperature sensing, solenoids, communications (IR handshake) * Refueling engineering: ramp control, flow rates, hot-spot formation, pre-cooling to manage heat * Applications & sizing: ~5–6 kg (passenger cars), ~20–30 kg (buses/medium trucks), ~40–60 kg (heavy trucks), hundreds of kg for maritime with swappable containers * LH₂ vs compressed H₂: cryogenic challenges (≈–253 °C), boil-off, and why compressed storage often wins on complexity Ideal for vehicle integrators, storage engineers, and hydrogen infrastructure teams designing safe, efficient H₂ systems end-to-end. Explore more at Hyfindr.com [https://hyfindr.com/en/]

#18 – Hyfindr Tech Talks – Manufacturing Metallic Bipolar Plates at Scale | Fabian Kapp – Gräbener

How do you manufacture fuel-cell bipolar plates with high precision, high yield, and production-scale efficiency? In this episode of Hyfindr Tech Talks, Fabian Kapp (Gräbener) joins Steven Oji to walk through an end-to-end bipolar plate manufacturing line—from coil to stack-ready plate. Fabian explains hydroforming (up to ~2,500+ bar), precision laser cutting & welding, proprietary straightening for ultra-flat plates, and why cleaning, leak testing, and sealing are critical for quality and cost. He also shares practical lessons on OEE, staffing, and how to reduce scrap by controlling welding and base-material quality. You’ll learn about: * Process flow: decoiling → hydroforming → cleaning → separation → laser cutting → laser welding → straightening → final clean → leak test → sealing → stacking * Hydroforming details: pressure ranges, flexibility across materials/thicknesses, low tooling cost * Laser operations: edge quality, port accuracy, 3D features, nitrogen assist * Welding quality: fixturing/clamping, stitch seams, leak-tight designs around ports/fields * Flatness & yield: straightening for stackability, scrap reduction, optical inspection * Production reality: leak testing (pressure-drop/helium), staffing, maintenance windows, and OEE best practices Ideal for manufacturing engineers, operations leaders, and stack designers scaling fuel-cell production lines. Explore more at Hyfindr.com [https://hyfindr.com/en/]

#17 – Hyfindr Tech Talks – Hydrogen Pressure Relief Valves & Safety Engineering | Olaf Schulenberg – Goetze KG

How do hydrogen pressure relief valves ensure safety across fuel cell and storage systems? In this episode of Hyfindr Tech Talks, Olaf Schulenberg (Goetze KG) joins Steven Oji to explain the engineering behind spring-loaded hydrogen pressure relief valves — a critical component for ensuring safety in electrolyzers, storage tanks, and liquid hydrogen systems. Olaf breaks down how these valves regulate excess pressure, their internal mechanics, and the importance of certification, testing, and temperature resilience in hydrogen applications. The discussion highlights how robust valve design and monitoring systems prevent failures and maintain safe operating conditions across diverse hydrogen environments. You’ll learn about: * How spring-loaded pressure relief valves function in hydrogen systems * Safety principles and design features ensuring pressure control * Testing & certification requirements for cryogenic and high-pressure use * Applications in electrolyzers, storage systems, and LH₂ transport * Maintenance and monitoring best practices for long-term reliability Perfect for engineers, safety experts, and hydrogen professionals focused on system integrity, certification, and pressure management in the hydrogen economy. Explore more at ⁠Hyfindr.com [https://hyfindr.com/en/]

#16 – Hyfindr Tech Talks – Hydrogen Production & Carbon Intensity (SMR, Electrolysis, RNG) | Greg Powers – BayoTech

What’s the real carbon intensity of hydrogen—once you include production and delivery? In this episode of Hyfindr Tech Talks, Greg Powers (Chief Innovation Officer, BayoTech) joins Steven Oji to break down hydrogen production pathways and how to measure their carbon intensity (CI) across the full lifecycle. From steam methane reforming (SMR) vs electrolysis, to distributed SMR with high heat-recovery reactors, to using renewable natural gas (RNG) for carbon-negative outcomes, Greg explains the engineering trade-offs behind cost, efficiency, and emissions. You’ll learn about: * Hydrogen pathways: SMR, electrolysis, coal gasification (context), and nuclear heat/electricity coupling * Gross vs. net impacts: why compression, liquefaction, transport, and storage change CI * Distributed SMR design: bayonet reactors, heat integration, and water/energy efficiency * CI metrics: energy-based (gCO₂e/MJ) vs mass-based (kg CO₂/kg H₂) and how to translate between them * Grid vs renewables: why CI varies by electricity mix; when electrolysis shines * RNG credits & carbon math: capturing methane from waste streams and pathways to zero or negative CI Perfect for engineers, developers, and decision-makers who want a clear, technical view of hydrogen production and lifecycle emissions—without the politics. Explore more at ⁠Hyfindr.com [https://hyfindr.com/en/]

#15 – Hyfindr Tech Talks – Pressure Regulators for Hydrogen | Jack Samways – Pressure Tech

How do pressure regulators deliver stable hydrogen pressure and flow for fuel cells, refueling, and electrolysis—safely and efficiently? In this episode of Hyfindr Tech Talks, Jack Samways (Pressure Tech) joins Steven Oji from the factory floor to unpack pressure regulator fundamentals and real-world hydrogen applications. Jack explains spring-loaded (manual) vs air-loaded (PLC-controlled) regulators, the decaying inlet effect, balanced main valves, and two-stage designs used for high-pressure systems. You’ll also hear where regulators fit across the hydrogen ecosystem—from electrolyzers and refueling stations to trucks, buses, and fuel cell stacks. You’ll learn about: * Regulator basics: reducing 350–700 bar down to precise set pressures for fuel cells * Flow vs. pressure requirements: orifice/Cv sizing for accurate delivery * Stability & accuracy: decaying inlet effect, balanced main valve, and two-stage approaches * Control strategies: manual set-and-forget vs air-loaded regulators with PLC control (ramp rates, temperature/pressure corridors) * Where they’re used: electrolyzers (back-pressure regulation), H₂ refueling, and vehicle fuel cell systems * Safety & standards (overview): responsiveness to J2601 fueling profiles, robust design practices aligned with hydrogen high-pressure expectations Perfect for system engineers, safety leads, and fuel cell integrators who need reliable pressure control across hydrogen applications. Explore more at Hyfindr.com [https://hyfindr.com/en/]