Bramble Energy to lead £12m hydrogen bus project

Companies from across the UK are set to collaborate on a project to develop a hydrogen-powered bus.

Led by Crawley-based Bramble Energy and supported by Leamington Spa-based Aeristech, the University of Bath and Equipmake, the Hydrogen Electric Integrated Drivetrain Initiative (HEIDI) is working to develop a revolutionary hydrogen double-deck bus integrating Bramble’s low-cost printed circuit board fuel cell (PCBFC) technology.

HEIDI has now secured £6.3 million funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which will be matched by industry, taking its total funding to £12.7 million.

The UK-based consortium will develop a hydrogen-powered double-deck bus, using a first-of-its-kind fuel cell technology from Bramble Energy; Aeristech’s high efficiency air compressor, and Equipmake’s motor power electronics and battery management system. The powertrain will be optimised through vehicle simulations carried out by the University of Bath.

Sussex’s Bramble Energy has been selected for this project due to its revolutionised fuel cell design and manufacturing process. Using a patented-protected printed circuit board technology, it can create bespoke fuel cell stacks in a matter of days at scale and low-cost.

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Bramble’s PCB technology eliminates the requirement for a number of complex and costly components found in a typical electrochemical stack, which not only simplifies the supply chain but also does not require vast retooling for manufacture.

Warwickshire’s Aeristech will design, develop, and deliver a 20kW turbo-expander air compressor that will recover heat and pressure with frictionless oil-free air bearing technology and a high-speed 90k rpm motor and controller.

Dr Vidal Bharath, CCO at Bramble Energy said: “Fuel cell technology can deliver a viable net zero solution that lends itself to commercial vehicles where downtime needs to be limited.

“This consortium of partners means that we will be able to deliver a world-leading hybridized powertrain, utilising our innovative low cost PCBFC™ technology for the bus sector, where there needs to be a viable electrified solution that can deliver on cost and scalability.”

Duncan Kerr, Aeristech CEO, said: “At Aeristech, we are thrilled to be a part of Project HEIDI and contribute to the development of this world-leading hybrid powertrain for the iconic London buses. This project is not only a significant step towards achieving net zero emissions but also a great opportunity to increase awareness of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems in the UK while developing a sustainable and efficient public transport system.

“Buses are the ideal early adopters of hydrogen-fuelled powertrains as they return to depot, so there is no requirement for extensive distributed hydrogen refilling stations. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver cutting-edge oil-free compressors, which maximise the power density of the hydrogen fuel cells and recover exhaust energy.”

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