Researchers at RMIT University have developed Australia’s first hydrogen fuel cell truck to demonstrate how vehicle design and new sustainable technologies can make freight transport clean, green and silent.
The small scale model is an exact replica of the Scania Highline series. It is operated by remote control and simulates the performance of a long-haul diesel truck, typically used between Melbourne and Sydney.
Professor Aleksandar Subic, Head of the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, said given the carbon tax, emissions trading and rising diesel costs, new sustainable technologies offered the industry a way of stabilising costs.
“For residents worried about fumes and noise, the prospect of a silent,
zero-emission truck is exciting,” Professor Subic said.
“This latest innovation stems from our comprehensive research into sustainable mobility involving hydrogen technologies. We are also researching production of hydrogen using photovoltaic arrays and electrolysers, and solid state hydrogen storage.”
The hydrogen-powered electrical system could also supply power for truck
air-conditioning, a radio and a trailer refrigeration unit.
Students are testing the small-scale truck against pre-defined dynamic loads. The result will be scaled up using mathematical models to predict the performance of a full-scale truck.
“A wireless data system is being used to monitor truck performance and collect the critical data such as hydrogen consumption rate and electrical power supply,” explained RMIT Associate Professor John Andrews.
.png){kind=small}
