Deakin University’s hydrogen initiative, Hycel, and PACCAR Australia have joined forces to develop zero-emission solutions for the domestic heavy haulage market. They will utilize Australia’s first hydrogen prime mover, showcased at the Brisbane Truck Show, from May 18 to 21. The truck, a prototype Kenworth T680 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), was part of groundbreaking operational trials at the Port of Los Angeles in 2022. This truck serves as the centerpiece of Hycel’s hydrogen mobility program, initially focusing on assessing the performance of a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain for heavy vehicles.
Associate Professor Michael Pereira, Deputy Research Director of Hycel at Deakin, expressed the unique opportunity to collaborate with one of the most advanced hydrogen trucks globally. Deakin specializes in industry-driven research partnerships, and working with PACCAR Australia grants their team direct access to the T680 truck for a hands-on understanding of its functionality. This physical asset is essential to complement their laboratory work.
Hycel’s approach involves analyzing data obtained from the US pilot program to gain insights into the performance and responsiveness of key components within a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. The research team plans to develop cutting-edge computer simulation models that can forecast the demands on the hydrogen fuel cell system and powertrain specific to Australia’s distinct freight haulage conditions. Associate Professor Pereira emphasized the program’s focus on meeting the transport sector’s requirements for increased payload capacity and longer distances, considering Australia’s unique characteristics in comparison to other regions.
Research activities have already commenced at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus, and in the future, they will continue at the Hycel Technology Hub, a custom-built hydrogen research, demonstration, and training facility currently under construction at Deakin’s Warrnambool campus. Expected to be completed by November 2023, this $24 million facility will further support Hycel’s objectives.
Given that the heavy transport sector contributes approximately 2 percent of Australia’s carbon emissions, the Hycel program aims to leverage Deakin’s expertise in engineering, materials, data, and information technology to facilitate the industry’s transition from diesel-powered vehicles to zero-emission hydrogen solutions.
In addition to its mobility-related initiatives, Hycel collaborates with industry partners to develop training and education programs catering to the emerging hydrogen workforce. The program also focuses on fostering social acceptance and awareness of hydrogen’s role in Australia’s clean energy transition.
Deakin’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Julie Owens, emphasized the university’s commitment to combining research expertise in science, technology, and education to support the evolving hydrogen industry in Australia. Decarbonizing the country’s heavy vehicle transport is a crucial step toward reducing emissions and achieving sustainability goals. Professor Owens expressed enthusiasm about advancing hydrogen adoption in Australia’s clean energy future as a research and innovation partner for organizations like PACCAR Australia.
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