Galaxy FCT - Solid H2 Logistics
3.1 On-Board Range Extender ("OBRE") for BEV Trucks/Bus
Optimizing Heavy BEVs
NaBH4 has superior energy density
to Lithium Batteries (> 2000 kWh/kg**)
Maximize Battery Usage for Regular Consumption, OBRE to provide the
"Safety Range" when required
Further enhancement possible by
reducing quantity of "on-board"
water carried.
The OBRE is an on-board unit of our reactor which is miniaturized and configured to fit on board of an electric truck or bus to replace part of the battery (reducing overall weight and total vehicle cost).
The OBRE will be powered by NaBH4 which has a much higher energy density compared to the best lithium batteries today. Replacing somewhere between 15% to 35% of the vehicle's total battery capacity with an OBRE will provide a lighter vehicle and one that would cost less to produce (given that around 60% of total cost of such trucks/busses are in the cost of batteries).
The idea would be to maximize daily usage of the battery range while the OBRE kicks in to fill the gaps (the "safety margin") when unusual circumstances result in the use of more energy (kWh) than anticipated. This allows the vehicle to have the additional range (eliminating "range anxiety"), albeit at a higher cost per kWh when unexpected circumstances arise. If additional range is required, a NaBH4 can be refilled easily as and when required to provide the security of additional range.
The amount of water that needs to be carried will depend on the efficiency of water recovery from the operation of the fuel cell and the degree of miniaturization required in the vehicle. There is also the option of carrying more NaBH4 with less water given that water can be sourced in many different locations when required. This will make the vehicle more efficient in terms of "Total Weight vs Range".