IMI VIVO has helped an advanced propulsion research and innovation (R&I) centre, IAAPS, to establish the first green hydrogen production and storage facility in South West England with the installation of a new polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser.
As a commercial subsidiary of the University of Bath, IAAPS is at the forefront of the UK’s development and validation of zero-carbon propulsion technologies. Research and innovation is carried out at its facility at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, which features a large solar array to power the electrolyser plant and produce green hydrogen. The plant and respective storage will be sized to allow the operation of a 400 kW propulsion research facility.
The IMI VIVO Electrolyser, which was delivered in July 2023, runs an electrical current through water via a membrane to split and separate hydrogen atoms. Delivery of the solution has greatly reduced the institute’s reliance on grey hydrogen for research purposes. The newly created hydrogen research capabilities will also form the basis for a regional hydrogen and sustainable transport acceleration hub that aims to stimulate green growth in South West England, providing an important link in the UK’s hydrogen research infrastructure.
Professor Rob Oliver, Engineering Director, IAAPS, said: “This is an important development for IAAPS. With efforts to decarbonise the transport sector gathering pace, it is evident that there is a critical requirement for R&I in hydrogen propulsion. Our new green hydrogen facility allows us to meet this need and provide vital hydrogen research capabilities.”
Any excess hydrogen produced by the electrolyser will be used in other applications within the IAAPS facility, such as powering boilers, lowering the building’s natural gas use, and aiding its transition to net zero emissions. This lead-by-example approach, alongside IAAPS’ research efforts in hard-to-electrify sectors such as aviation, marine, off-highway, and heavy-duty transport, will help the centre establish strategic partnerships across these industries.
Jackie Hu, Divisional Managing Director at IMI Critical Engineering, said: “The IMI VIVO electrolyser has proven crucial to IAAPS solidifying its reputation as an adopter and supplier of sustainable solutions. IAAPS has great plans for both the electrolyser and its wider decarbonisation efforts, and we have been happy to help drive greener technologies and practices in South West England.”