E-MOBILITY
can run at a constant rate to maximise efficiency and range. The Ultra-High Power (UHP) cell AMTE is currently developing will play a vital role in unlocking the clean fuel cell transition for FCEVs, particularly commercial and heavy-duty vehicles deployed in the transportation sector. Hydrogen fuel cells can provide the
range that long-haul journeys require, particularly when combined with a powerful cell like AMTE’s UHP. This is because UHP is particularly well- suited to repeatedly discharging the power needed by HGVs. The cell’s performance means a much smaller battery pack is required compared to one made up of conventional energy cells. In turn, this creates space for a larger hydrogen fuel tank which ultimately increases the distance a FCEV can travel. UHP also provides the added boost needed for HGVs to pull heavy loads or navigate inclines without draining fuel, and enhances a vehicle’s ability to use regenerative braking to recharge the cell. “Our UHP cell is designed specifically
with optimal power delivery in mind,” says Harrington-Beatty. “The format and shape of the cell enables efficient cooling of the layers within the cell to get maximum power out of the cell without overheating. The chemistry and internal materials used within the cell are all designed specifically for high power delivery, and we have been working with potential customers on the design process from day one, to make sure the cells are suited to their requirements.”
SCALING UP TO FULL VOLUME The company achieved this through its niche vehicle battery research
The Ultra-High Power cell
and development programme which helped to establish its battery cell range in 2017. Since then, AMTE has started working with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) in Coventry to scale up its pilot line of battery cells to be capable of producing thousands of products. Last year, the partners entered into an agreement to produce 60,000 cells per year, a figure that looks set to increase significantly over the coming years with the establishment of AMTE’s new gigafactory in Dundee. “Having a high-volume cell
manufacturing facility will be essential for us to provide our customers with the scale and economy to produce effective FCEVs and hybrid electric vehicles,” Harrington-Beatty adds. “It will also establish a wider supply chain here in the UK, to which having domestic UK-based battery cell manufacturing capabilities is essential. In terms of achieving full volume manufacturing for our cells, we’re looking at 2026. Observing the roadmap for increasing charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, hybridisation plans and recent Government policy around FCEVs, this timeline matches our aims in terms of where the market is moving as we scale up to full volume.”
The original battery manufacturing facility in Thurso
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www.engineerlive.com
FLYING THE FLAG FOR FCEVS “With the right use cases, hydrogen is really effective,” says Harrington-Beatty. “So in heavy vehicle applications there is certainly a strong use case for it due
to scale; as the vehicle gets heavier the energy needs from the battery cell in terms of energy density also increase, but you have to balance this with the potential payload of the vehicle. This is where FCEV platforms come into their own, as you can have smaller power- dense battery packs to enable more hydrogen fuel to be stored on board. The speed of hydrogen refuelling is also significantly reduced when compared to charging a battery EV for vehicles of this size.” Going forwards, AMTE is keen to
educate potential customers, fleet purchasers and businesses on the benefits of hydrogen FCEVs, while reassuring them on the safety of such vehicles. For instance, the hydrogen fuel storage tanks are designed and crash tested to military standards. And, in addition to the transportation sector, there are wider use cases for AMTE’s UHP cells, as the company has identified opportunities within the aviation, marine and highway markets. “There’s a real opportunity for the
UK to become to go-to place for specialised cell manufacturing, and that is an area we are aiming to scale up and be globally competitive in,” Harrington-Beatty adds. “There is also the opportunity to reskill engineers and technicians currently in declining industries, and provide them with an innovative and growing industry to apply their skills within.”
For more information visit
www.amtepower.com
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