PACCAR and Deakin Uni partner on hydrogen truck research
Deakin University’s ‘Hycel’ hydrogen programme and PACCAR Australia are developing zero-emission solutions for the domestic heavy haulage market, using the first hydrogen-powered prime mover in Australia.
The truck, a Kenworth T680 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle which was on display at the Brisbane Truck Show in May, is one of only ten prototype Kenworth FCEVs in existence and was part of a world-first operational trial at the Port of Los Angeles last year. The T680 is at the centre of Hycel’s hydrogen mobility programme, which will have an initial focus on the performance characteristics of a heavy vehicle hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.
Associate Professor Michael Pereira, Deakin’s Hycel Deputy Research Director, said the PACCAR partnership offers a unique opportunity to work with one of the world’s most advanced hydrogen trucks.
“Deakin specialises in industry-led research collaborations. Partnering with PACCAR Australia means our team has direct, hands-on access to the T680 to familiarise ourselves with its operability. This hardware is critical to complementing our laboratory work,” Pereira said.
Initially, Hycel will analyse data from the US pilot programme to understand how key elements of a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain perform and respond to day-to-day operational demands.
“From here, we are developing state-of-the-art computer simulation models to predict the hydrogen fuel cell system and powertrain demands for Australia’s unique freight haulage conditions.
“Specifically, we're addressing the Australian transport sector's demands to deliver more payload per truck over longer distances, when compared to other places in the world,” Pereira added.
Research has already begun at Deakin's Waurn Ponds campus. In the future, this research will be transferred to the Hycel Technology Hub, a $24 million bespoke hydrogen research, demonstration and training facility that’s currently under construction within Deakin’s Warrnambool campus that’s due for completion in November, 2023.
With the heavy transport sector currently contributing an estimated two percent of Australia's carbon emissions, the Hycel programme will apply Deakin’s unique engineering, materials, data and IT expertise to assist the trucking industry in its transition from diesel to zero-emissions hydrogen solutions.
Hycel also works with the industry on new training and education programmes for the emerging hydrogen workforce, as well as social license to support broader awareness and acceptance of hydrogen’s place in Australia’s clean energy transition.
Deakin’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Julie Owens, said the university was combining research expertise in science, technology and education to meet the needs of Australia’s emerging hydrogen industry.
“Decarbonising Australia’s heavy vehicle transport is a vital step toward reducing emissions and achieving reduction targets. As research and innovation partner to businesses like PACCAR Australia, we are thrilled to advance uptake of hydrogen in our nation's clean energy future,” Owens said.
For more information, visit Deakin University
