High-performance electric motor and compressor specialist Aeristech it joining other partners on Project HEIDI, headed by Bramble Energy and in collaboration with Equipmake and the University of Bath, which was awarded £6.3 million in Government funding to create a new hydrogen powertrain project. The funding has been matched by the participants in the project to a total of £12.7 million and will be used to develop a fuel cell powertrain for double-decker buses that is cheaper than current options and uses the latest electronics and energy recovery technologies.
The partners will work together to develop the project and retrofit a hydrogen propulsion system into a former London double-decker. Aeristech CEO Duncan Kerr 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.”
As its contribution to the project, 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 90,000rpm motor and controller.
