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Hydrogen System Proves Future For Clean And Secure Energy

Clean energy for cars is achievable using a zero-carbon hydrogen energy system, which has been designed, manufactured and patented by ITM Power Plc and tested at the University of Hertfordshire.

By taking advantage of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme, the clean energy provider was able to use the expertise of the School of Engineering & Technology to test practical applications of the system.

The Partnership developed a dual fuel hydrogen/gasoline internal combustion engine, which has been demonstrated around the UK to show the potential of the ground breaking technology.

Business challenge

ITM wanted to offer a system with an automotive conversion kit, which could be used to produce clean fuel for vehicles and demonstrate the patented hydrogen system.

This completely new package required an understanding of the specific processes involved in automotive engineering design and build projects: specifically how to build retro-fit kits.

How did the University of Hertfordshire help?

The primary aim of the KTP was to apply theory to a practical problem: fuelling cars in a clean and sustainable way.

KTP Associates Alistair Wardrope and Stephen Hallett developed a dual-fuel hydrogen/gasoline internal combustion engine and hydrogen storage refuelling system.

The end result was a fully functional hydrogen storage and delivery system allied to a standard saloon car, which was converted to run either on petrol or hydrogen.

Real business results

Key results of the project included producing:

A dual-fuel Ford Focus exhibited around the UK
A stand-by hydrogen- fuelled generator applied as a back up power and heat demonstration system
The UK’s first hydrogen storage and vehicle refuelling station
An established automotive engineering team at the company

“The project allowed the company to expand its knowledge of end user applications for hydrogen fuel whilst also boosting the core competencies of our staff by employing skilled KTP Associates after the completion of the project.”

Stephen Jones
Business Development Manager for ITM Power Plc