Switching to hydrogen by retrofitting

April 12, 2023

Does switching to hydrogen mean completely renewing your fleet? No! Retrofitting is the answer. Vincent Lallemand, Business Development Director at GCK Mobility (Green Corp Konnection) and expert in the retrofit of heavy vehicles explains the solutions available to you.

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Léa: If you want to buy a hydrogen vehicle, you have two options: new or retrofit. What’s a retrofit?

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Vincent Lallemand: A retrofit is when you convert the drive train of a combustion engine vehicle to electric. In other words, you install an electric engine (in place of a combustion one), which is then powered, either by electric batteries of by batteries and a fuel cell. So you have either, on the one hand, a 100% electric vehicle, or, on the other, a “hydrogen vehicle” (which is really an electric vehicle powered by hydrogen).

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Can people contact you to retrofit any kind of vehicle?

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Yes. From light duty vehicles and cars to heavy vehicles, we even recently had a snowplough approved! If it’s a vehicle we’ve done before, the project can be done very quickly. If it’s a new product, we create a prototype (with no need for the manufacturer’s approval since 2020). Once the prototype has been produced, it must then receive European approval. We submit a request to the CNRV which carries out normative tests and issues approval to the manufacturer – that’s us in this case – for a type of vehicle, with a type approval number. We can then roll-out the retrofitting of this type of vehicle for all our clients.

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Are there other rules with which you must comply when retrofitting a vehicle in France?

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There are several rules:

the vehicle must be more than five years old,
the engine torque and basic power must be between 65% and 100% of the initial combustion engine torque
the weight of the vehicle must not exceed the weight of the initial combustion engine vehicle by more than 20%.

In other countries, retrofit is in fact allowed on new vehicles.

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Choosing between an electric and a hydrogen vehicle is not so easy. What factors determine whether to power an engine with electric batteries or a hydrogen fuel cell?

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The decision to retrofit a fleet is naturally guided by the objective of reducing CO2 emissions, which the electric engine allows. The choice of power supply is guided by the operational constraints of the carrier or mobility operator. The fuel cell gives vehicles greater autonomy and offers a much shorter charging time. For example, for a truck, 10 kg of hydrogen will allow it to travel 100 km and thus provide 150 kWh of electrical energy, which is equivalent to 1 tonne of electric batteries! In terms of charging time, again for a truck, refuelling with 40 kg of hydrogen will take around 30 minutes, whereas electric recharging would take over five hours.

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So hydrogen has a rosy future ahead (we certainly think so at Lhyfe), but in which sectors particularly in your opinion?

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In the short term, we are seeing a real interest in converting fleets of coaches, utility vehicles, refuse collection vehicles, concrete mixers, tractors, etc. The establishment of LEZs (low emission zones) will have a major impact on the carriers that have to access them and they need to start decarbonising their fleets now!

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Understanding Retrofit

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Retrofitting involves making modifications to existing buildings to improve their performance or functionality. This can range from small upgrades, such as installing energy-efficient lighting, to major overhauls like seismic retrofits for earthquake-prone regions.

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Benefits of Retrofitting

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There are numerous advantages to retrofitting a building, including:

Increased energy efficiency
Enhanced safety and structural integrity
Improved comfort and indoor air quality
Sustainability and reduced environmental impact
Enhanced accessibility for people with disabilities

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Retrofitting Process

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The retrofitting process typically includes the following stages:

Assessment: Identify the areas in need of improvement
Design: Develop a plan for the desired upgrades
Implementation: Carry out the retrofit work
Commissioning: Ensure the upgrades meet performance goals

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Retrofit Techniques

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Various retrofit techniques cater to different needs, such as:

Insulation: Adding insulation to walls, roofs, and floors
Window upgrades: Installing energy-efficient windows
HVAC systems: Upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Lighting: Installing energy-efficient lighting solutions
Water conservation: Implementing water-saving fixtures and appliances

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Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency

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Energy-efficient retrofits can significantly reduce energy consumption and utility costs. Key strategies include:

Insulation and air sealing
Energy-efficient windows
HVAC system upgrades
LED lighting
Solar panels and renewable energy systems

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Retrofitting for Safety

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Safety retrofits aim to improve the structural integrity of a building and protect its occupants. Common safety retrofits include:

Seismic retrofits for earthquake resilience
Fire safety systems like sprinklers and alarms
Mold and moisture control measures
Radon mitigation systems

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Retrofitting for Comfort

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Comfort-focused retrofits enhance the indoor environment by addressing issues like:

Temperature regulation through insulation and HVAC upgrades
Noise reduction with soundproofing materials
Improved air quality through ventilation systems and air purification

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Retrofitting for Sustainability

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Sustainable retrofits reduce a building's environmental impact through:

Energy and water efficiency improvements
Green roofing and rainwater harvesting systems
Recycling and waste management systems
Sustainable building materials

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Retrofitting for Accessibility

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Accessibility retrofits make buildings more user-friendly for people with disabilities, including:

Ramps and lifts for wheelchair access
Wider doorways and hallways
Accessible bathrooms and kitchens
Visual and auditory aids for the visually or hearing impaired

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Retrofit Costs and Financing

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The cost of a retrofit project depends on the scope and complexity of the upgrades. However, many retrofit investments pay off in the long run through energy savings and increased property value. Financing options include loans, grants, and tax incentives.

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Finding a Retrofit Professional

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When searching for a retrofit professional, consider the following:

Experience and expertise in the specific type of retrofit
Licensing and certifications
Client references and reviews
Comprehensive project proposals and clear communication

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Retrofit Case Studies

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Successful retrofit projects can serve as valuable examples for those considering their own upgrades. These case studies often highlight the challenges, solutions, and outcomes of various retrofit projects, providing insights into the process and potential benefits.

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Conclusion

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Retrofitting is a powerful way to improve the performance and functionality of existing buildings. By investing in energy efficiency, safety, comfort, sustainability, and accessibility, property owners can enhance the value and appeal of their buildings while reducing environmental impact and operational costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between retrofit and renovation?

Retrofitting focuses on improving building performance, while renovation primarily involves aesthetic upgrades or structural changes.

How long does a retrofit project take?

The duration of a retrofit project depends on the scope and complexity of the upgrades, ranging from a few weeks to several months.

Are there any government incentives for retrofitting?

Many governments offer financial incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, or grants, to encourage energy-efficient and sustainable retrofits.

Can I retrofit my building myself?

Some minor retrofit tasks can be done as DIY, but most projects require the expertise of professionals to ensure safety and proper implementation.

Is retrofitting a good investment?

While the upfront cost of retrofitting can be significant, the long-term benefits, such as reduced energy costs and increased property value, often make it a wise investment.

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