Hydrogen Hose for High-Pressure Filling of Hydrogen

Toward popularization of a new clean fuel, hydrogen, and realization of a hydrogen-based society

Hydrogen as a next-generation clean fuel

Hydrogen exists in the form of a colorless and odorless gas at ordinary temperatures and pressures, and is the most abundant element in the universe. It has been drawing attention as a next-generation clean fuel, as it only generates water and heat when combusted, and its light weight contributes to a reduction of fuel weight.
In recent years, there have been considerable efforts toward practical use of hydrogen fuel, such as development of fuel-cell vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel and deployment of hydrogen stations for hydrogen fuel supply.

Features of hydrogen gas as fuel

Size of hydrogen atom

The size ratio of a hydrogen atom to a golf ball is approximately the same as that of a golf ball to the earth. (*1)
Compression pressure of hydrogen gas (*2)

Equivalent to the weight of 17 passenger cars on a human palm (*3)

Hydrogen gas supplied through hydrogen stations has the following two characteristics:
(1) Ability to pass through very tiny voids: Hydrogen molecules are the smallest molecules in the universe so they can go through even very tiny voids.
(2) Compression at high pressure: In order to allow a large amount filling of fuel at once, hydrogen gas supplied through hydrogen stations is compressed at a very high pressure (*2).

*1Assuming that diameters of a hydrogen atom, a golf ball, and the earth are 1/1,000,000 cm, 4 cm, and 12,000 km, respectively.
*2Currently 70 MPa (mega-pascal; a unit of pressure) in Japan, and expected to be 82 MPa in the future.
*3Assuming that hydrogen gas pressure, palm area, and weight of a passenger car are 82 MPa, 20 cm², and 1 t respectively.

Bridgestone’s hydrogen hose that does no leak high-pressure hydrogen

The Bridgestone Group developed a flexible hydrogen-filling hose capable of containing high-pressure hydrogen based on its technologies for ultrahigh-pressure hoses for water jet applications, etc.
A plastic material suited for containing hydrogen gas is used for the inner layer. For the reinforcement layer, steel wire with impressive tensile strength is wound in six tiers to form a layer that endures the high pressure of hydrogen gas. Further, the optimization of material and winding pattern of steel wire also produces both strength to endure high pressure and flexibility for usability.
The Bridgestone Group will continue its contribution to the development of a hydrogen-based mobile society through diverse products realized with our advanced technologies.