This achievement not only highlights the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source but also sets a new benchmark in educational engineering projects.

From Concept to Reality

The project, led by the "Bath Hydrogen" team, began as a group initiative and saw significant development over the past year. With no prior experience in hydrogen technology, the team embarked on a rigorous educational journey focusing on the theoretical and practical aspects of hydrogen fuel technology. Their efforts culminated in March when they successfully ran their prototype engine, marking them as pioneers among university student teams globally.

Nicholas Pert, the technical leader and a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Bath, described the first successful test as a "nerve-wracking moment" that turned into a triumph of student innovation and collaboration. Early support from sponsors and the university community played a crucial role in reaching this accomplishment.

Engineering Solutions

The prototype is based on a modified single cylinder gasoline engine donated by Vanguard, chosen for its simplicity and adaptability. With support from companies like Link Engine Management and Clean Air Power, the team re-engineered this engine to work with a special hydrogen fuel injector and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) designed for hydrogen.

The immediate goal for the "Bath Hydrogen" team is to adapt a 2.3-liter Ford Ecoboost engine for their next project, aiming to set various land speed records with a Ginetta G20 race car powered by hydrogen fuel. This step aims not just to break records but also to advance practical applications of hydrogen in high-performance engines.

Why Hydrogen?

Hydrogen presents unique challenges and advantages as a fuel source. It produces no carbon dioxide at the point of use, offering significant environmental benefits over conventional gasoline. However, its high energy density per unit mass is countered by low energy density per volume, complicating storage solutions. The team is exploring options for storing hydrogen either as a highly compressed gas or as a supercooled liquid to overcome these obstacles.

Educational Impact of the Achievement

The project continues the University of Bath’s commitment to leading in student-driven engineering innovation. Following the closure of Team Bath Racing, which focused on gasoline-powered race cars, the university shifted its focus towards emission-free vehicles, supporting broader environmental goals and providing students with invaluable practical experience in emerging technologies.

Dr. Kevin Robinson, the academic supervisor, highlighted the importance of continuing to explore the role of internal combustion engines in achieving zero emissions, especially through the use of hydrogen and synthetic fuels. Though early days, the successful operation of the prototype engine for approximately three hours of continuous operation, including full-load testing, promises a promising start towards more sustainable engineering solutions.

Looking Ahead

As the Bath Hydrogen team prepares to tackle future challenges and opportunities, their work serves as a beacon for other educational institutions and students worldwide. It underscores the vital role of academic projects in addressing global issues such as sustainable transport and the transition to more environmentally friendly energy sources.

The success of the Bath Hydrogen team is not just a testament to their technical skills but also reflects their commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. As they continue to develop and refine their hydrogen-powered engine, they are paving the way for new possibilities in automotive engineering and sustainable practices.