12.10.2022 International Engineering Fair (MSV) Brno
Orechová Potôň, 12.10.2022 – A new hydrogen bus, developed by Mobility & Innovation Production s. r. o. (MIP), won the gold medal for innovation in transport and logistics during an exhibition at this year’s International Engineering Fair (MSV) in Brno.
MSV is the most important engineering fair in Central Europe with high attendance of the professional public. Almost 80% influence investment decisions and one third belong to top management.
One of the main themes of MSV 2022 is the circular economy, i.e. the management of material resources. This is a trend that is important for sustainable development, and the industry’s adaptation will move in this direction. The hydrogen bus on display fitted in perfectly with the theme of MSV 2022 by presenting hydrogen technology, which is very environmentally friendly in a number of areas. The so-called hydrogen economy itself is considered to be circular.
Gold medal for innovation in transport and logistics
The hydrogen bus won the gold medal for innovation in transport and logistics among all the products exhibited in the category. The aim of the prestigious MSV 2022 Gold Medal competition was to recognise the most innovative and interesting exhibits presented at MSV. The competition is announced by the Confederation of Industry and Transport together with the Brno University of Technology. The organiser is BVV.
The “golden” hydrogen bus
A number of factors played a role in the award, the most decisive being the bus’s unique design, highly efficient hydrogen propulsion and low fuel consumption.
Construction of the bus
MIP’s bus bodies are built from individual modules joined together using a special bonding technology. The modules themselves are made of ultra-light composite material. The finished bodies are self-supporting and resistant to all weather conditions. They are also non-conductive and fire resistant. On impact, the structure is very durable and easily repairable.
Hydrogen and electric propulsion
The bus’ hydrogen tanks have a capacity of 10.2 kg at 350 bar and can be refuelled in less than 10 minutes. The unique positioning of the tanks in the rear “engine compartment” reduces the centre of gravity and allows the use of lighter tanks. This configuration also reduces axle loads and extends axle life.
Loop Energy’s highly efficient fuel cell delivers a maximum output of 30 kW using hydrogen electrolysis. Residual energy in the form of heat from the fuel cell is recovered by a heat exchanger.
The bus has two batteries with a total capacity of 70 kWh and a Siemens electric motor with an output of 160 kW which comfortably ensures an operating speed of over 80 km/h.
Low consumption and long range
Thanks to innovations in vehicle design and configuration, together with the use of high quality and efficient components in the hydrogen and electric systems, the hydrogen bus today achieves a record low fuel consumption of 3.2kg/100km and a range of over 400km in urban traffic. On batteries alone, the bus can travel 100km.
Environment
The hydrogen bus from MIP has several advantages over traditional combustion or electric buses. In addition to its durability and low weight, the bus body has a long service life, up to 40 years if used properly. The same applies to the braking system, which is less stressed thanks to its light weight and brake energy recovery. The high quality and efficiency of the electrical and hydrogen systems, which produce no emissions, are also assured. The hydrogen bus also does not need a large number of batteries as with an electric bus, which lightens the axles and increases the range.
Also very important is the fact that the bus is fully homologated and immediately usable within the European road infrastructure and urban traffic.