NOVOTECH Aerospace Advanced Technology SRL has been designated as a ‘key innovator’ by the European Union’s Innovation Radar for its pioneering advancements in the design of innovative mandrel, industrialization and manufacturing of conformable hydrogen fuel tanks utilizing cutting-edge thermoplastic materials. These tanks are designed to adapt seamlessly to non-standard spaces within vehicles and aircraft, maximizing storage efficiency without compromising structural integrity. Complex shape has been made possible thanks to a very innovative design and manufacturing of the mandrel for thermoplastic layer lamination under the company AFP advanced machine. By leveraging advanced thermoplastics, the tanks offer superior durability, lightweight characteristics, and enhanced resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, making them a pivotal innovation for the evolving hydrogen economy. This innovation is strategically tailored to address the demands of both the aviation and automotive sectors and is a cornerstone of the EU-funded COCOLIH2T project under the Horizon Europe framework.
The enterprise is actively positioning itself to transition this technological breakthrough into commercial applications, with a focus on the aviation and automotive sectors. These industries are primary targets due to their increasing demand for lightweight and efficient hydrogen storage solutions with complex shape, which are essential for advancing sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions. Additional market opportunities include heavy machinery and maritime transport, where hydrogen is emerging as a viable alternative fuel. NOVOTECH plans to access targeted training and commercialization assistance through Dealflow.eu, a Horizon Europe initiative. Furthermore, the organization can avail itself of the Horizon Results Booster services, which encompass:
- formulating dissemination and exploitation strategies for result portfolios;
- crafting comprehensive business plans;
- facilitating market entry and scaling strategies.
The EU Innovation Radar has specifically emphasized the potential of this technology to contribute to industrial standardization processes. Examples of existing standards where this technology could play a transformative role include ISO/TS 19880-3 for gaseous hydrogen fueling and ASTM D7190 for thermoplastic composite materials. Additionally, standardization is particularly needed in the certification of hydrogen storage systems for aviation and automotive applications, which currently lack uniform global benchmarks. The methodologies and outcomes within the project are recognized as pivotal to influencing and potentially revising existing industry standards.
To enhance its engagement in this domain, NOVOTECH can harness the expertise offered by the EU Standardisation Booster (HSbooster.eu). Standardization is critical for market adoption as it ensures compatibility, safety, and interoperability of new technologies while meeting regulatory compliance. These measures not only facilitate market entry but also build trust among stakeholders, fostering widespread acceptance of innovations like NOVOTECH’s hydrogen fuel tanks. This initiative provides robust support mechanisms, including:
- strategic standardization planning and landscape analysis;
- integration and application of relevant existing standards;
- participation in the creation or refinement of industry standards;
- detailed assessments of readiness for standardization activities.
This commendation from the EU Innovation Radar further cements NOVOTECH’s influential role in fostering sustainable innovation by reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional fuel storage systems and advancing the hydrogen economy. The adoption of lightweight, durable thermoplastic tanks could decrease fuel consumption in transportation, contributing to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 15% in the aviation sector and up to 20% in hydrogen-powered automotive applications.