ULEMCo, the company pioneering the adoption of ultra-low emission hydrogen fuel in the UK, has announced plans to launch a zero emission 50 kW (KVA) generator later this year. The zero emission genset is targeted for use in urban areas, where the impact of harmful emissions from non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) is increasingly being understood.
When running over an eight-hour construction shift, the 50 kW genset will use around 15-20kg of hydrogen, depending on the average load.
It will emit zero emissions from an air quality perspective, without any after treatment, and depending on the source of hydrogen, will save up to 640g/kWh CO2 against a diesel powered comparator.
When tested under the Type D2 ISO 8178 generator set engine standard, it demonstrates class leading thermal efficiency from the engine of up to 45%.
The work builds on the exceptional results delivered recently by ULEMCo’s R&D partners, Revolve Technologies, on 100% hydrogen engines. Working in collaboration with a genset integrator, the two companies will provide a solution that applies their extensive experience of hydrogen energy systems with world leading capability in clean combustion approaches and knowledge of practical customer operational needs. The companies note that alternatives such as batteries struggle to be practical options for the full range of off-grid and backup power generation requirements.
“Our initial work showed how an engine can be adapted to run on 100% hydrogen with zero emissions, and we were delighted to see the impressive overall efficiency results attained,” said Paul Turner, Engineering Director at Revolve Technologies. “Using hydrogen in this genset application instead of other zero emission alternatives like batteries eliminates equipment downtime for re-charging, and requires very little change of behaviour for the operators that would normally use diesel fuel. We believe that our prototype will gain significant interest from the industry.”
“This latest product represents a further opportunity for hydrogen fuel to make a real difference in reducing harmful emissions, and to support initiatives such as the new London ULEZ to improve air quality”, said Amanda Lyne, Managing Director of ULEMCo. “Our experience with commercial van fleets and trucks has given us valuable insights that have transferred to this first genset model.”
ULEMCo plans to have a production ready genset available in the Autumn and to have a prototype available for potential customers to trial in the next few months. They plan to have the system on display at events like LCV 2019 in September, where it will be shown working to recharge EVs and for other standalone power requirements, demonstrating the future of emission free mobility and off highway equipment.
About ULEMCo
ULEMCo Ltd is the world’s first hydrogen commercial vehicle conversion company, enabling fleet, commercial and niche vehicle owners to have access to zero emission hydrogen fuel, as part of their strategies to reduce transport related carbon emissions.
ULEMCo is based in Liverpool, UK and was founded in 2014 as a spin out of Revolve Technologies, to commercialise intellectual property and capability in hydrogen combustion engine technology. The company converts vehicles, having started with diesel Ford Transit vans, to enable them to run on commercially available hydrogen. The technology allows vehicle fleet managers to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions to ultra-low levels.
Commercial fleets across the UK benefit from a reduced carbon foot print while still having the full range capability of standard diesel vehicles. Alongside various partners, ULEMCo already supports a fleet of vehicles across a range of hydrogen hubs in the UK. The company is targeting commercial fleet conversions to grow the market significantly over the next 18 months, and then expand into other vehicle types over the longer term. Its growth plans include creating a hydrogen re-fuelling network, to capitalise on the existing local infrastructure for this ‘green’ fuel.
About Revolve Technologies
Revolve Technologies Ltd is a specialist powertrain, engineering and development business located in Brentwood, Essex, and established for over 20 years in the automotive industry.
Its main business areas are product development and consultancy, including design, calibration, low carbon vehicle development, as well as prototype vehicle build and test. Revolve has specialist expertise in hydrogen and dual fuelled vehicles, PHEVs and range extender technology.
Facilities at its 4,000m² main building include vehicle workshops with engine build, electrical and electronics build, fabrication, and a model studio. Additional facilities house six engine test cells. Revolve holds Quality and Environmental accreditation to BS9001:2008 & BS14001:2004.
