Local research and business cooperation produced the long-awaited hydrogen tank prototype
Last week, the University of Oulu received a long-awaited hydrogen tank manufactured by Nordic Tank, intended for use in steel research among other applications. As part of the OYH2 project, the selection of materials for the tank required special precision due to hydrogen atoms’ tendency to penetrate steel and cause cracks. The delivered tank, about one cubic meter in size, is made of stainless steel that withstands hydrogen in all conditions, according to university teacher Jussi Paavola.
The tank is designed for use in storing hydrogen to facilitate future research on hydrogen absorption in other metals. It is also portable, meeting safety regulations for transporting hazardous materials. The compact tank is designed with larger applications in mind, and there are plans to produce larger tanks based on current designs.
Hydrogen-related research is a key area for the university, and the new tank is part of the hydrogen research infrastructure being built at the University of Oulu. This infrastructure supports regional and national research and development in the hydrogen economy, strengthening the green transition and the shift to a hydrogen economy. The broader goal is to build a research environment that serves both the university’s hydrogen research and businesses.
of the new hydrogen tank.