Hydrogen Properties for Energy Research (HYPER) LaboratoryCool. Fuel.
Outdoor Research Facility
2020 – Outdoor Research Facility becomes reality
In the spring of 2020 the Outdoor Research Facility on the WSU Pullman campus became a reality as the only outdoor liquid hydrogen facility in U.S. Academia. The facility was developed to characterize novel liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tanks, fueling systems, and components. It features a gas storage building, an office container to remotely monitor and control experimental systems, and a concrete pad for LH2 transfers and LH2 fuel system testing.
An outdoor bottle garden allows us to store flammable and inert gas cylinders on site. The facility is plumbed to supply hydrogen to an on-site deployable liquefier from gaseous cylinders or produce hydrogen on site via electrolysis.
The first system tested at the facility is a Mobile Hydrogen Generation Unit, a containerized liquid hydrogen fueling station that can generate, liquefy, and refuel LH2 powered unmanned aerial vehicles for the U.S. Army.
The Outdoor Test Facility is located on the outskirts of the WSU Pullman campus on Dairy Road.
A scenic view from the facility, with the Mobile Hydrogen Generation Unit (tan container) in foreground.Map with location of the Outdoor Research Facility
A 3D rendering of the layout of the Outdoor Research FacilityThe Gas Storage Building at the ORF
Looking Forward
The outdoor research facility has opened many possibilities for the lab. It has given us much needed space to grow and advance the research we are working on, and it will continue to grow and advance for years to come. It could possibly build out to become a vehicular hydrogen refueling station among other possibilities. Regardless, we have a unique outdoor research facility to any university around the world.
