We designed and built the refuelling panel for hydrogen tankers installed at the Hydrogen HUB in Trieste, a large green hydrogen production plant powered by solar panels.
This project is promoted by Acegas Aps Amga, the multi-utility company of the Hera Group that manages energy and environmental services in the Trieste area, and was carried out by CPL Concordia as part of the PNRR investments.
The Trieste plant, powered by a photovoltaic field of approximately 4.85 MWp and equipped with a 5 MW electrolyser, is capable of producing around 370 tonnes of hydrogen per year. This is stored on-site and used for sustainable mobility, including fuel-cell buses and port logistics vehicles, contributing to the decarbonisation of the region.
In this context, the panel we have developed is a key element for the efficient and safe distribution of the gas.
How the loading panel for gas cylinder trailers manages gas distribution
The loading panel we have designed enables the transfer of hydrogen from the plant’s storage systems to the trailers used for transport, ensuring loading up to a nominal pressure of 200 bar.
The solution is not limited to mere gas distribution, but also incorporates advanced instrumentation that enables centralised monitoring of all operations.
Performance, operational logic and service continuit
The entire system is housed in an electro-pneumatic cabinet equipped with integrated automation and an HMI interface. The operator can manage all operational phases, from start-up to the interruption of the loading process, whilst monitoring the process status in real time.
The operating logic is designed to ensure continuity of service even under variable conditions, thanks to precise control of parameters and automated management of loading sequences. This reduces the margin for error and increases the overall efficiency of the plant.
Centralised monitoring: fiscal flow rate, pressure and temperature
One of the system’s key features is the integration of advanced measurement equipment. The panel is capable of providing:
- certified measurement of the dispensed volume for tax purposes
- continuous monitoring of pressure and temperature
- data transmission to the central control system
This architecture enables centralised monitoring of refuelling operations, improving traceability and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The availability of real-time data is also a strategic factor for process optimisation and integrated infrastructure management.
Safety at the loading bay: leak detection, ventilation, ESD and anti-tear protection
In the context of hydrogen handling, safety is a top priority. The system we have developed incorporates various solutions designed to mitigate operational risks:
- gas leak detectors
- continuous ventilation via air extractors to ensure the dilution of any leaks
- automatic shutdown and depressurisation systems in the event of an alarm or emergency
- a breakaway device for the immediate isolation of the circuit should the trailer be moved whilst the filling hose is still connected..
These technologies enable a prompt response in the event of faults or emergencies, ensuring the protection of operators and infrastructure.
“ Contributing to the development of a strategic infrastructure such as the Trieste Hydrogen HUB means bringing renewable hydrogen out of the laboratories and into the everyday reality of energy distribution. We are proud to have put our technology at the service of a project that is tangibly building a safe, measurable and scalable Italian hydrogen supply chain“, said our CEO Sergio Torriani.
This project further confirms our key role as a technology partner in the development of strategic infrastructure for the energy transition, through the use of products and solutions based on hydrogen as an energy carrier and alternative fuel.
Contact us to build your hydrogen plant.
