A Strategic Facility for the Energy Transition
Among UBSIDE’s flagship achievements, in collaboration with Carnot MICA, is the installation of a **unique high-pressure test bench in France**, dedicated to hydrogen tanks. Located within ComposiTIC in Lorient, this facility addresses the growing demands of energy transition stakeholders while providing a strategic tool to accelerate the development and safety of pressure vessels. It perfectly illustrates our ability to tackle cutting-edge industrial challenges.
Transferable Expertise Across Industries
While the hydrogen sector is the primary beneficiary of this installation, the know-how and protocols developed are fully transferable to other types of pressure tanks. This opens concrete opportunities for diverse industries such as:
- Defense, for the development of advanced embedded systems
- Sports & Leisure, particularly scuba diving
- Specialty Gases Industry, where safety constraints are extreme
What Can This Test Bench Do?
- Pushing Tanks to Their Limits
With hydraulic pressure reaching up to 2000 bars, the bench conducts cycling tests (pressure increase/release) and destructive burst tests to drive tanks to failure, accurately identifying weak points. - Ultra-Precise Diagnostics
Equipped with 120 acoustic sensors and high-resolution cameras, the facility pinpoints lthe origin of damage before rupture and delivers fine-grained analysis of the mechanical performance of composite materials.
Local Synergies Driving Innovation
Developed by Université Bretagne Sud, UBSIDE, ComposiTIC, and supported by Région Bretagne, Lorient Agglomération and European ERDF funds, this equipment represents a €600 k investment to strengthen regional hydrogen R&D capabilities.
- The ComposiTIC team operates the facility, supporting industrial partners from testing through performance analysis.
- UBSIDE, leveraging expertise in advanced materials, delivers diagnostics and improvement strategies to reinforce tank mechanical properties.
Why Work with UBSIDE? To benefit from an exclusive tool that makes your projects more reliable, thereby streamlining, securing, and reducing the costs of your hydrogen tanks.
- Exclusive Access: The only test bench of its kind in France, available for your projects.
- Reliability & Safety: Testing beyond standards to better secure your products.
- Product Optimization: Detailed reports to lighten, strengthen, and reduce tank costs.
- End-to-End Services: From testing to scientific analysis and prototype improvement.
This high-pressure test bench is a strategic asset for industry, turning hydrogen ambitions into safe, reliable, and optimized realities.
With this facility, UBSIDE positions itself as an essential partner for companies seeking scientific rigor, independence, and industrial efficiency, all while contributing to a strong, locally rooted innovation ecosystem.
Want to know more? Visit our dedicated page or contact our team directly to discuss your hydrogen project!
