Published March 16, 2025 on LinkedIn
Introduction
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) are a promising alternative to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), but high energy losses in hydrogen production and storage have limited their efficiency and economic viability. The current method of hydrogen refueling relies on low-pressure electrolysis followed by high-pressure compression (up to 700 bar), which introduces significant energy losses and infrastructure costs.
This article introduces a new approach that eliminates the need for hydrogen compressors by directly generating hydrogen at high pressure using a fuel cell stack in reverse operation.
Concept Overview: High-Pressure Water Electrolysis in Fuel Cells
Instead of compressing hydrogen after production, this concept uses a high-pressure membrane pump to inject deionized water into the fuel cell stack, where electricity splits the water into hydrogen and oxygen at high pressure. The generated hydrogen is stored directly in the vehicle’s high-pressure tank, eliminating the need for a separate hydrogen compressor.
Key Features:
✅ No hydrogen compressor required → reduces energy losses and system complexity.
✅ High-pressure water pump (350–700 bar) pressurizes the system → simple and efficient.
✅ Water is collected from the fuel cell during normal operation → minimal resource waste.
✅ A backpressure regulator maintains stable electrolysis conditions.
✅ Electric vehicle chargers (AC 7–22 kW) can power the process → utilizes existing charging infrastructure.
Comparison with Traditional Hydrogen Refueling
Cost Reduction Impact
The main cost driver in hydrogen fueling is compression. Current 700-bar hydrogen refueling stations cost €1.5–2.0 million per unit, largely due to high-pressure hydrogen compressors and cooling systems. Removing the compression step significantly reduces capital and operational costs, making FCEV refueling more competitive.
Final Comparison: Hydrogen vs. BEV
While this innovation makes FCEVs more efficient and cost-effective, the key question remains: Can hydrogen compete with battery electric vehicles (BEVs)?
Conclusion: A Step Towards More Competitive Hydrogen Mobility
This high-pressure water electrolysis concept solves one of the biggest inefficiencies in hydrogen fueling: compression losses. By eliminating the need for hydrogen compressors, the process simplifies infrastructure, reduces energy losses, and lowers costs—making hydrogen cars more competitive with BEVs.
However, hydrogen still faces efficiency disadvantages compared to BEVs, as fuel cells inherently have lower conversion efficiency. While this concept improves the economics of hydrogen mobility, BEVs remain the most energy-efficient solution for personal transport.
Still, for long-haul trucking, aviation, and industrial energy storage, hydrogen with high-pressure water electrolysis could be a breakthrough technology—offering a practical, cost-effective way to generate and store hydrogen without energy-intensive compressors.
Disclaimer
This concept of high-pressure water electrolysis for direct hydrogen storage was independently conceived by Peter Doležel, founder of PE3Q BV. The idea originates from 1989, when, as a 14-year-old student, he attempted to develop a hydrogen-powered car.
This work is based entirely on personal research, engineering experience, and independent thought, without prior knowledge of or reference to existing patents, academic papers, or external inventions.
Any similarity to existing technologies, patents, or publications is purely coincidental, and Peter Doležel is the original author of this concept.
Authorship Statement
This article has been formulated with the assistance of ChatGPT to ensure clarity and accuracy in English, as English is not the native language of Peter Doležel, the original author and creator of this concept.
All technical ideas, engineering principles, and conceptual foundations presented in this article originate entirely from Peter Doležel, based on his independent work and experience. ChatGPT has been used solely as a tool to help structure and articulate the content in clear and precise English.