The Emitech group offers a variety and quantity of testing resources that are unique in France, and that are constantly evolving, with the aim of supporting its customers' innovations, particularly in the field of electric mobility. The group already has major test facilities in this field, such as the EMCEM installation, which aims to characterize an electric vehicle motor from the point of view of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), as well as test benches for high-voltage (HV) batteries, power electronics, ECUs, etc. It is announcing new equipment for tests on electric vehicles. It is also announcing new equipment for hydrogen testing (fuel cells, tanks + valves). The deployment of the hydrogen sector by various regions in France is a key element of the energy transition.
Hydrogen activities: EMC, electrical, mechanical, climatic and fire tests
Hydrogen fuel cell testing requires complex facilities that incorporate a large number of easements. These must be made safe, as hydrogen (H2) is a potentially explosive gas when it reaches a concentration of 4% in air. In addition, a power equivalent to 50 % of the hydrogen fuel cell's electrical output is also dissipated in the form of heat. This is why Emitech, after selecting a hydrogen supplier and installing supply systems, had to adapt its laboratories to secure its installations with sensors and to equip them with cooling units.
In France, the Emitech Group now has two laboratories capable of accommodating all types of equipment, including high-power hydrogen fuel cells. A third laboratory installation is also in preparation.
The EMC and electrical testing laboratory in Chassieu (69) has a 70m² semi-anechoic Faraday cage (H>5m) with dedicated hydrogen facilities: a central H2 supply connected to 4 V18 cylinder racks (4x158m3 of H2 compressed to 200 bars / 15°C), hydrogen detection sensors, an ATEX fume hood for any vapors and a 45kW cooling unit.
In Environne'Tech's mechanical and climatic testing laboratory in Bourgoin Jallieu (38), the climatic chamber has been fully adapted and secured to accommodate a complete fuel cell system, with a central H2 supply connected to 2 V18 racks of cylinders (H2 compressed to 200 bars at 15°C) and detection sensors.
Lefae's mechanical and climatic testing laboratory in Saint-Chamond (42), with its unique expertise in fire testing and its reservoir testing capabilities (hydraulic and pneumatic tests: endurance, pressure resistance, bursting, puncture, impact, overload), is currently being adapted to become a type IV H2 reservoir testing center.
Test: the first complete 45kVA fuel cell system
Emitech is currently working with one of the leaders in hydrogen technology in France and Europe, on a project for hydrogen fuel cell-powered utility vehicles.
The equipment supplier provides the automaker with the electrical power, a fuel cell, to be integrated into a conventional electric vehicle architecture. This is a complete and complex system, including cooling machinery, humidity regulators, air compression, etc. In addition, the fuel cell is accompanied by a high-voltage battery for transient power requirements such as acceleration, as well as for energy recovery storage, notably during braking.
The system undergoes EMC, climatic, mechanical and vibration testing in Emitech laboratories, according to the specifications of the automaker involved in the project. Emitech is the only company in France to offer these campaigns.
In just a few months, Emitech was able to adapt its laboratories to meet the needs of its hydrogen customer and carry out these tests. Mechanical and climatic tests began in autumn 2020, followed by EMC tests in January 2021. Other campaigns are already planned, and foreign customers have already expressed their interest in these installations. To support the industry's development and the ramp-up of fuel cell building blocks from the various OEMs, laboratory upgrades are already planned for 2022 to enable testing of 100kW fuel cells.
A growing range of skills
Emitech has become a member of two major hydrogen networks in France. It belongs to the general H2 circle within the Neopolia network, which brings together over 250 companies, mainly from the Pays de la Loire region. Since 2021, Emitech has also been a member of France Hydrogène, an association that federates the 400-plus hydrogen and fuel cell players in France.
At the same time, Emitech keeps an active watch on standards, so as to continually develop its resources and adapt them to the future needs of its customers. This is the case, for example, for the use of hydrogen in harbors, whether for pleasure boating or for long-term merchant shipping.
Emitech is also referenced in the "Guide pour l'évaluation de la conformité et la certification des systèmes à hydrogène", a reference document on the subject published in July 2021 by Ineris (Institut national de l'environnement industriel et des risques) on behalf of Ademe (Agence de l'environnement et de la maîtrise de l'energie) and France Hydrogène.
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