Cevotec has developed an automated Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) process that reinforces the dome areas of composite hydrogen tanks directly on the liner, cutting net carbon fiber use by roughly 15% compared to conventional winding alone. The reduction lowers weight and cost, frees up extra storage volume within the same tank footprint, and improves the vessel's CO2 footprint, while preserving mechanical performance.
Working with partners Roth and CIKONI, Cevotec built and tested a full-scale demonstrator, refining the fiber layup through three design iterations. Cevotec's technical director described the final iteration as reaching a 108% burst safety factor alongside the targeted 15% material savings, with storage efficiency improved by about 17% over the reference vessel.
Cevotec is setting up a dedicated FPP production system near Munich for customer trials starting in spring 2024. The company's CEO framed the technology as a response to anticipated fiber supply shortages as hydrogen tank demand grows over the next 5-10 years.
Source: Cevotec
