Kawatex is currently developing a high-pressure hydrogen tank using lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) with good heat resistance. This storage tank is used by the hydrogen station. It should be available in three to four years.
The price of the tank makes it easier for private companies to produce on a limited budget. The current production cost is approximately 20,400 Euros (2.5 million yen) per case. In the future, by reducing material procurement costs, costs will be reduced to 8,000 euros (1 million yen) or less. In the current price range, most hydrogen stations are red and no longer maintained.
The carbon fiber reinforced fuel tank weighs about 1 ton. It is lighter than traditional thick metal products (5 to 10 tons), can withstand pressure and is suitable for transportation. In addition to hydrogen stations, there is also a demand for hydrogen cars.
A 60-liter hydrogen fuel tank is under development. The tank is made of carbon fiber cloth wrapped aluminum alloy container and reinforced. The material selection and manufacturing process has been completed. The next development step is to test its durability. To do this, pressure will be applied from the inside until the container breaks in order to determine the location of the damage.
Hydrogen tanks are being developed around the world, and the Muroran plant under Japan Steel Works in Hokkaido, Japan, is also developing and selling hydrogen tanks. Kawatex is one of the few SMEs with large-scale production processes such as iron and FRP, which will gain a competitive advantage in the market. It can also provide fuel tanks for converting gas stations to hydrogen stations.