University begins Aussie H2 study

Paccar Australia Is Working With Deakin

University in the state of Victoria to develop zero-emissions solutions for the Australian heavy haulage market.

The programme was announced at the Brisbane Truck Show where PACCAR Australia displayed one of the 10 prototype Kenworth T680 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) in existence. The prime mover, which features Toyota-sourced fuel cell technology, was involved in world-first operational trials at the Port of Los Angeles during 2022.

Deakin University’s hydrogen mobility programme Hycel includes a focus on the performance characteristics of a heavy vehicle hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.

Deakin’s Hycel Deputy Research Director, Associate Professor Michael Pereira, says it is a unique opportunity to work with one the world’s most advanced hydrogen trucks.

“Deakin specialises in industry-led research collaborations. Partnering with PACCAR Australia means our team has direct, hands-on access to the T680 to familiarise ourselves with its operability. This hardware is critical to complementing our laboratory work,” Pereira says.

Hycel will first analyse data from the US pilot programme to understand how key elements of a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain perform and respond to operational demands.

“From here, we are developing state-of-the-art computer simulation models to predict the hydrogen fuel cell system and powertrain demands for Australia’s unique freight haulage conditions.

“Specifically, we’re addressing the Australian transport sector’s demands to deliver more payload per truck over longer distances, when compared to other places in the world,” Pereira says.

Research has begun on Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus in Geelong and in the future will continue at the A$24 million Hycel Technology Hub, a bespoke hydrogen research, demonstration and training facility currently under construction on Deakin’s Warrnambool campus (due for completion in November 2023).

With the heavy transport sector currently contributing an estimated 2% of Australia’s carbon emissions, the Hycel programme applies Deakin’s engineering, materials, data and IT expertise to assist industry in its transition from diesel to zero-emissions hydrogen solutions.

Further to the mobility theme, Hycel also works with industry on new training and education programmes for the emerging hydrogen workforce.

Deakin’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Professor Julie Owens says Deakin is combining research expertise in science, technology and education to meet the needs of Australia’s emerging hydrogen industry.

“Decarbonising Australia’s heavy vehicle transport is a vital step toward reducing emissions and achieving reduction targets. As research and innovation partner to businesses like PACCAR Australia, we are thrilled to advance uptake of hydrogen in our nation’s clean energy future,” says Owens. T&D