Two hydrogen buses are set to hit the streets of Sunderland as part of a unique research and development programme bringing international expertise to North East England.
One North East has invested £314,000 to sponsor the ECO2Trans project, which is converting two electric Gulliver U500EUK buses into hydrogen vehicles using a fuel cell, battery and capacitor combination.
The University of Sunderland's Institute of Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP) has joined forces with experts from Shanghai's Shen Li High Technology and Cramlington-based AVID Vehicles to carry out the work.
The ECO2Trans project will provide a rolling test bed for North East companies to develop technology. It is allowing companies, along with AMAP, to learn from international experts and develop their own solutions to the problems surrounding new low carbon and zero-emission technology.
The AMAP team purchased two second-hand, battery-powered electric buses which have been stripped down for new technology to be put into the rolling chassis. The ECO2Trans project is helping AMAP to trial new energy storage devices, novel motor technology and develop new control technology.
Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) use a chemical reaction involving hydrogen and air to power an electric motor, with a small trickle of water the only waste product. They are one of a range of ultra low carbon and zero emission vehicles and fuel technologies being developed in North East England.
As part of the region's industry-leading work in this area, One North East, AMAP and Nissan are already working on the development of a hydrogen vehicle network in North East England. The AMAP team is led by Dirk Kok and Adrian Morris, who last year successfully adapted a Nissan Almera to run on hydrogen so that it only emits water from its exhaust.
The aim of the ECO2Trans project is to educate people about the possibilities of hydrogen as a fuel, by demonstrating the efficiency of fuel cells. It is hoped that the buses will act as a catalyst for the development of the hydrogen infrastructure in the region and help to stimulate growth in the sector.
AMAP Researcher Dirk Kok said: "Visitors from Shen Li have helped us to understand the fuel cell operation, train us in its use and to help mount the fuel cell in the buses. Now, we want to get one fully driving, and one will be completely revamped with a new motor and new electrics.
"These vehicles will act as a test bed to evaluate novel hydrogen technologies in vehicles and will enhance the region's status as an important automotive research and development centre."
Ryan Maughan, Managing Director of AVID Vehicles said: "We are delighted to support this project – it is cutting-edge technology being applied in a real world situation. The link with the university is helping us to develop the workforce of the future with the required skill set in low carbon vehicle technology."
Helen Armstrong, Manufacturing and Productivity Senior Specialist at One North East, said: "The ECO2Trans project will be another catalyst for the development of the power distribution and charging infrastructure for low carbon vehicles in the region.
"It is incorporating electric energy with using alternative energy storage mediums such as hydrogen, solar and wind power and complements the work already taking place in the Low Carbon Economic Area."
The first trial of low carbon vehicles began in the region last week when four electric Smart cars were delivered to the region by Cenex, the UK's Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies. This six-month trial will give more than 500 drivers the chance to drive an electric vehicle for the first time.
Last week One North East and Ineos Bio announced a feasibility study would be carried out at its Seal Sands plant into the conversion of household and commercial waste into biofuel for vehicles.
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