Linde unveils hybrid hydrogen vehicles

The forklift truck, a concept vehicle ready for use, has a direct-injection hydrogen combustion engine, and a load capacity of 3 tonnes. Based on the Linde 39x series, it is capable of reaching its maximum power rating while being operated with hydrogen. It does not give off any emissions; instead, the fuel is turned into water vapour. Hydrogen is currently considered to be the cleanest source of energy, and is available in almost unlimited quantities.

In addition to a Volkswagen internal combustion engine, the truck has an electric motor that can operate as a starter and generator. By combining combustion and electrical technologies, fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 25%, according to Linde. Additional energy capacity is gained from the synchronous motor, a 400v lithium ion battery and an energy recovery system, which stores braking energy in the battery for re-use. To save fuel, the engine automatically switches itself off and on when the truck stops or starts.

“The requirements for a hybrid drive in a truck are very favourable,” said Udo Herrmann, head of pre-development at Linde. “This is because trucks operate in a very dynamic way, often braking and then continuing to drive, which makes an energy recovery system worthwhile. In addition, high power levels are only required briefly, when the truck initially accelerates and when lifting a nominal load.”