Project Summary
Lux Industries is developing a fully-integrated, containerised system which produces, liquefies, stores and supplies green liquid hydrogen for use by ships, and port-side operations – eliminating the need to transport hydrogen.
Project Achievements
The LHVAM project achieved key milestones in developing a novel, cryogenic multi-purpose valve for liquid hydrogen (LH2) applications, critical to advancing zero-emission maritime fuel infrastructure. LUX successfully designed and manufactured the valve using Additive Manufacturing (AM), enabling complex geometries and performance enhancements not possible
with traditional methods. The valve underwent extensive laboratory testing, including helium leak detection and pressure validation, demonstrating its feasibility under extreme cryogenic conditions. These outcomes confirmed the valve’s TRL 4 status, laying the groundwork for future integration into LUX’s containerised, on-site LH2 production systems. The project also generated
new patentable IP, deepened the company’s technical capabilities in cryogenics and AM, and fostered collaborations with industry leaders in hydrogen and testing services. Despite limited access to LH2 for full-scale testing, the project delivered a validated prototype and reinforced LUX’s position at the forefront of sustainable hydrogen innovation.
Conclusions
The LHVAM project demonstrated that additive manufacturing can successfully deliver high performance, cryogenic components for the emerging liquid hydrogen (LH2) sector. Through rigorous design, prototyping, and laboratory validation, LUX developed a novel multi-purpose LH2 valve, achieving its primary technical objectives and confirming technology readiness at TRL 4. While the inability to access LH2 for full-scale testing limited real-world validation, the project’s outcomes strongly support the valve’s functionality and commercial potential. The work highlighted the scalability, efficiency, and environmental benefits of decentralised LH2 infrastructure, addressing key barriers in maritime decarbonisation. Additionally, the project expanded LUX’s intellectual property portfolio, enhanced internal engineering and testing capabilities, and deepened strategic collaborations. Overall, the LHVAM project lays a robust foundation for future deployment and offers a promising solution to help enable the UK’s transition to clean, hydrogen-powered transport systems.
Next Steps
Following the successful development and validation of the prototype LH2 valve, LUX will now focus on progressing from TRL 4 to TRL 6–7. The immediate priority is to secure access to liquid hydrogen for full-scale performance testing under operational conditions. Parallel efforts will involve filing additional patents, finalising design optimisations, and preparing for pilot deployment
within a maritime or port-side environment. LUX will also pursue further funding and strategic partnerships with hydrogen suppliers, port authorities, and vessel operators to support system integration and commercial trials. Engagement with regulatory bodies will ensure alignment with evolving hydrogen safety standards, while collaboration with academic and industry stakeholders
will refine system performance. These steps will accelerate the path to market readiness, enabling LUX’s valve technology to become a critical enabler of on-site, zero-emission LH2 supply systems for the maritime and broader clean energy sectors.
