The UK-based hydrogen bus consortium HEIDI (Hydrogen Electric Integrated Drivetrain Initiative) has reached a significant milestone by completing the design phase of their innovative project. HEIDI, a collaboration between Bramble Energy, Equipmake, Aeristech, and Bath University, is developing the world’s first hydrogen-powered double decker bus.
Project Overview
Launched a year ago with a £12.7m investment, the HEIDI project aims to revolutionize public transport by introducing a sustainable and efficient hydrogen-powered double decker bus. The project has now successfully transitioned from the design concept to the manufacturing phase.
Key Design Features
- Fuel Cell System: Bramble Energy’s printed circuit board fuel cell (PCBFC) technology has been integrated into the bus design, allowing for a passenger capacity of 86, comparable to existing London double deckers.
- Hydrogen Storage: The design for the hydrogen storage system has been finalized, ensuring safe and efficient storage of the fuel.
- Range and Refueling: Simulations predict a range of up to 280 miles on UK bus routes using 350 bar hydrogen, surpassing the typical daily mileage of London buses (100-200 miles). The HEIDI bus will also be capable of refueling in just eight minutes.
Next Steps
Dr Vidal Bharath, CCO at Bramble Energy, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s progress, stating, “This new milestone for HEIDI brings us one step closer to revolutionizing public transport with our innovative PCBFC technology providing a viable path to net-zero emissions for commercial vehicles.”
With the design phase complete, HEIDI is now moving into the manufacturing phase. Key components, including the fuel cell stack, fuel cell system, and hydrogen storage, will be produced in this next stage of the project.
The HEIDI project not only advances sustainable transport but also supports nearly 500 jobs and aims to prevent nearly 6 million tones of CO2 emissions over the next decade. The consortium is committed to delivering a sustainable, cost-effective, and zero-emission future for the transport sector and its customers.
