Aeristech Ltd has announced that it is a partner on Project HEIDI which was awarded £6.3 million in government funding for a revolutionary hybrid powertrain project that will transform the future of public transport.
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/battery hybrid powertrain for double-decker buses that is cheaper than current options and uses cutting-edge electronics and energy recovery technologies.
Project HEIDI will also create and safeguard 498 jobs and save 5.9 million t of CO2. Bramble, University of Bath, Equipmake, and Aeristech will work together to develop the project and retrofit Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Systems into London's iconic red buses. The collaboration will develop a high-value end-to-end electrified automotive supply chain in the UK.
Duncan Kerr, 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."
Aeristech will design, develop, and deliver a 20 kW turboexpander air compressor that will recover heat and pressure with frictionless oil-free air bearing technology and a high-speed 90 000 rpm motor and controller.
The project is a significant step forward in achieving net zero emissions in the UK and will help develop a sustainable and efficient public transport system that benefits customers and the environment.