(710c) Lessons learned from field testing a new technology during the pandemic

During 2020 and 2021, NICE America conducted field tests of a new hydrogen refueling technology during two separate campaigns, each lasting over three months. During normal times, this endeavor would have required coordination of a multinational team spread across three time zones, safe execution of an ambitious technical validation program, and management of expectations for internal and external stakeholders (including potential customers). The pandemic introduced additional challenges including compliance with evolving public health regulations, constraints on travel and scheduling, and supply chain stress associated with economic consequences of pandemic response. This presentation will describe the actual campaigns, review lessons learned from adapting to the evolving situations, and highlight effective practices that can be generalized for field testing under less extreme circumstances.