Iljin Composite Materials Develops 'Tube Skid' for Hydrogen Fuel Transportation

Tube Skid. Photo by Iljin Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Iljin Composite Materials, a specialized subsidiary of Iljin Group for hydrogen fuel cell vehicle fuel tanks, announced on the 20th that it has started developing a large-capacity hydrogen transfer container called the 'Tube Skid,' aiming for a launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

The development of the Tube Skid is expected, according to Iljin Composite Materials, to contribute to the activation of the hydrogen economy by enabling the transportation of large quantities of hydrogen at once without being restricted by domestic road conditions during hydrogen fuel supply and demand, thereby reducing transportation costs.

Currently, hydrogen transport tube trailers use Type 1 fuel tanks made of steel materials. However, the total vehicle weight is about 40 tons, exceeding the 30-ton weight limit for freight vehicles passing through urban areas, and the vehicle length is 16 meters, causing turning issues in congested urban traffic areas. In fact, under the Road Traffic Act, in Seoul, entry of vehicles exceeding 30 tons is restricted at 115 facilities including bridges, overpasses, interchanges, general roads, and tunnels. Additionally, the maximum transport capacity per trip is only 340 kg, requiring a total of four trailers to operate one hydrogen refueling station for a day.

New refueling stations established after this year are expected to use 500 kg of hydrogen per day.

To build and develop hydrogen industry infrastructure as announced by the government, there is an urgent need to develop hydrogen transport technology that can increase transport capacity per trip and reduce total vehicle weight.

Iljin Composite Materials has embarked on developing the 'Tube Skid' using Type 4 fuel tanks to complement the Type 1 tube trailers.

Type 4 fuel tanks are lightweight and durable high-strength plastic containers wrapped with carbon fiber, offering the advantage of storing larger amounts at higher pressure compared to Type 1 fuel tanks.

Once the Tube Skid is developed, the vehicle length will be 10 meters, and the total vehicle weight will be 28 tons, opening the way for safe road supply nationwide. The transport capacity per trip will also increase to a maximum of 500 kg, allowing two vehicles to operate one refueling station for a day.

Kim Kihyun, CEO of Iljin Composite Materials, emphasized, "Smooth supply and demand of hydrogen fuel is essential for the hydrogen economy to take root," adding, "The Tube Skid will lower transportation costs, expand the areas where hydrogen can be supplied, and play a significant role in expanding hydrogen infrastructure."