Bramble Energy, a UK-based technology company specializing in renewable energy semiconductor manufacturing, has announced a major achievement in the Hydrogen Electric Integrated Drivetrain Initiative (HEIDI) project.
The HEIDI Project’s Ambitious Goal
The HEIDI project aims to develop a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered double-decker bus and is anticipated to prevent the emission of nearly 6 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
A year after its launch, this £12.7 million ($16 million) landmark project has successfully completed the concept designs for the fuel cell system, hydrogen storage, and bus structure, moving into the manufacturing phase.
Collaborative Partnership
The HEIDI project is a result of a collaborative effort between Bramble Energy, Equipmake, Aeristech, and the University of Bath, with funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK as part of the Automotive Transformation fund.
The bus incorporates Bramble’s cutting-edge, cost-effective printed circuit board fuel cell (PCBFC™) technology. This flexible fuel cell design enables the bus to accommodate 86 passengers, similar to conventional London double-deckers.
Promising Test Results and Simulations
Initial tests of the fuel cell stacks have yielded promising results in terms of power output at the bus level. Additionally, simulations predict that the hydrogen bus, using 350 bar hydrogen, will have a range of up to 280 miles on UK bus routes.
If achieved, this range would surpass the average daily distance of standard London buses, typically ranging from 100 to 200 miles.
Revolutionizing Public Transport
“This new milestone for HEIDI brings us one step closer to revolutionizing public transport with our innovative PCBFC™ technology,” commented Bramble Energy CCO Dr. Vidal Bharath in a recent company news release. He emphasized that the company’s technology provides commercial vehicles with a “viable path to net-zero emissions.”
Bramble Energy is committed to driving transformative change in the global energy sector. The substantial progress made in the HEIDI project exemplifies the company’s approach to manufacturability, scalability, and rapid innovation in developing technologies that address global challenges.
Next Phase of Development
In the subsequent phase of the HEIDI project, Bramble Energy and its partners will embark on manufacturing the fuel cell stack, fuel cell system, hydrogen storage, and other essential components, bringing this innovative hydrogen bus closer to reality.