WHY HYDROGEN IS THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

There is no straightforward answer to the question of whether electrically powered vehicles are superior to the fuel cell ones. The current energy crisis calls for a range of sustainable solutions which will work together in order to create a carbon-neutral future. Creating the next energy generation requires the use of hydrogen in situations where other solutions may not be sufficient.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems are already being implemented in cars and buses, set out to revolutionise the commercial and public transport industries in due course. But what about all the other types of vehicles used in various industries by businesses all around the globe? The recent finalisation of Project: Trident, a collaborative effort between Cummins and Aeristech, means that a clean and green revolution in the heavy-duty vehicle industry is on its way.

The Energy Crisis

The global energy crisis, intensified by the over-reliance on fossil fuels, underscores the urgent need for a shift towards renewable energy and alternative technologies like fuel cells. Fossil fuels, while historically driving economic growth, have led to significant environmental degradation, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, subsequently contributing to climate change. The fragility of fossil fuel markets often leads to economic instability and energy insecurity, particularly in regions that are heavily dependent on energy imports. In contrast, renewable energy sources— such as solar, wind, and hydro power—offer a sustainable and increasingly cost-effective solution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security by diversifying supply. The advancement of fuel cell technology presents another promising avenue, particularly in transportation by offering efficient and clean energy conversion from hydrogen, a fuel that can be produced from renewable sources. Embracing renewables and alternatives like hydrogen fuel cells not only mitigates the environmental impact but also fosters innovation, job creation, and resilience against energy supply disruptions, marking a remarkable step towards a generation of sustainable energy future.

Domestically, the fight against the energy crisis and the strive for a climate-friendly future continues with the UK government’s commitment to Net Zero. In the recently released data, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that the UK halved its emissions in the years 1990 to 2022. According to the current government’s plan, the emissions are envisioned to be reduced by 68% by the year 2030. With the latest UN Climate Change Conference, COP28 which was held in December 2023,

The Promise Of Hydrogen

Emerging as a promising solution for sustainable energy production, green hydrogen taken centre stage. Green hydrogen is generated through the process of electrolysis, where electricity is applied to separate hydrogen from water molecules, creating clean hydrogen without producing any detrimental by-products that could cause damage to the environment, enhancing climate change or polluting the air. A significant advantage of this method is its ability to uti- lise electricity, providing an opportunity to repurpose surplus electrical energy for electrolysis. This converts the excess electricity into hydrogen gas, which can be stored and used to meet future energy demands and provide higher energy security.

The development of complex Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems has enabled the manufacturing and design of hydrogen-run vehicles. The latest advancements in the transportation sector have been made possible by Aeristech, a Warwick-based company, renowned for its expertise in creating high-speed motors, inverters, and oil-free compressors, all of which are integral components of

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems. Having worked on several projects which focused the use of hydrogen in cars and buses, Aeristech has now brought forward the reality of sustainable heavy-duty vehicles.

PROJECT: TRIDENT –HYDROGEN IN THE HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLE INDUSTRY

The completion of Project: Trident marks a significant milestone in extending hydrogen fuel cell applications to the realm of heavy-duty transportation. This project was a joint venture between Cummins and Aeristech. Aeristech’s contribution to the project included the development of a ground-breaking oil-free electric turbo compressor, significantly propelling Cummins towards the forefront of carbon neutral powertrain solutions for heavy-duty uses.

Project: Trident set out with clear goals: to push forward the adoption of decarbonised solutions within the heavy-duty vehicle sector, engineer an energy recovery e-machine, and establish a UK-based supply chain for the next wave of heavy-duty turbochargers. Aeristech and Cummins collaborated closely with Aeristech, focusing on meeting the tailored requirements of the heavy-duty sector, comprising performance, operational availability, lifespan, and reliability standards.

Aeristech achieved notable success by creating an advanced e-machine platform that combines oil-free bearings with precisely optimised turbomachinery. This effort culminated in the production of a high-performance electric motor, cutting-edge power electronics, oil-free bearings, and complex control software. The centrepiece of Aeristech’s innovation for this initiative was the design and manufacturing of an electric oil-free turbo compressor, capable of supporting a 180kW fuel cell stack, and integrated with an energy recovery turbine.

Attracting investor interest and backed financially by the UK government, Project: Trident was valued at £20 million, half of which was funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre. This funding underscores the government’s commitment to transitioning to Net Zero emissions in the automotive industry. The growing enthusiasm for hydrogen fuel cell systems signals a potential reduction in the carbon footprint and environmental impact of the heavy-duty vehicle sector, leading towards a more sustainable and less polluted future. While initial sustainable transportation efforts focused on cars and buses, it is now the time for the heavy-duty sector to engage in these environmentally friendly initiatives.

Luke Read, COO of Aeristech, reflected on the project’s completion with pride, stating, “Hydrogen and fuel cell systems offer a great potential for the heavy-duty vehicle and fuel cell systems a great potential for the heavy-duty vehicle industry in working towards sustainability and significantly reducing carbon emissions. Utilising this clean energy source enables us to devise solutions that are in line with our environmental commitments.” industry in working towards sustainability and significantly reducing carbon emissions. Utilising this clean energy source enables us to devise solutions that are in line with our environmental commitments. Completing the Trident project has brought immense sense of fulfilment to our team and our learnings will open up more opportunities all with the goal of working towards a greener future.

As the use of hydrogen becomes more widespread in the transport industries worldwide, Aeristech continues the work towards creating efficient and sustainable technologies. c