HySMART
Lead Participant:
LOOP TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
Abstract
The HySMART (Hydrogen Stack Manufacturing using Advanced Robotics Technology) feasibility project is driven by an urgent need for fuel cell (FC) system producers and associated supply chain to drive down cost from \>€150/kW to <€50/kW (2025), and <€45/kW (2030) at 100k units/yr. (HE.2018), enabling FC vehicles to be offered on a cost competitive basis. Current processes are bespoke and limited in volume and size, providing limited opportunities to reduce costs, with current commercial sales of global automotive FC's -- in 1,000's/year.
This project will study real-world applications of automation and inline testing for volume production of hydrogen FC stacks, to include end user requirements. Focusing on the development, integration and application of robotics, software controls and machine learning solutions for producing FC stack technologies.
This will be achieved through a feasibility study to include:
* Developing a technology roadmap to demonstrating robotics stack manufacturing FC capability
* Key component development (MEA's, endplates, bi-polar plates) for in-house automated production to feed into final modular stack manufacture
* Implementation of advanced inline testing capabilities, to provide a no faults forward stack production capability
* Analysis of co-operative interaction capabilities and associated learnings in this key area of the FC system production process
* Developing advanced automation concepts in 3D and test virtual manufacturing scenarios (digital prototyping)
* Study end user requirements specific to active implementation into light/medium duty automotive applications
The main HySMART deliverable will be key outputs from a comprehensive demonstrator study, detailing advanced product designs and validating key technical challenges; developing FC components ('design for assembly/disassembly'), installation/implementation of in-house robotics manufacturing, and inline testing capability producing high quality conformable modular FC stacks for light/medium duty vehicle applications.
HySMART will result in the following benefits:
* Instill automotive sector confidence in hydrogen FC technology, accelerating commercial uptake.
* Provide industry stakeholders (manufacturers, OEM's, supply chain, etc.) with the operational and technical requirements of using advanced robotics in UK FC stack volume manufacture.
* Enhanced conformational capabilities for FC stack developers to provide diverse and system range.
* Roadmap to production of working robotic FC stack demonstrator with enhanced inline testing capabilities.
* Implementation and roll-out of novel production processes, providing advanced cost-effective modular FC stack systems.
* A FC stack system architecture, manufacturable by automation, delivering improved efficiency, and reproducibility.
* Opportunities to develop and expand products into additional markets and sectors.
Total project size will be £800,607, last 12 months and involve 5 UK partners (Bramble Energy, Microcab, Loop Technology, UCL and HSSMI).
This project will study real-world applications of automation and inline testing for volume production of hydrogen FC stacks, to include end user requirements. Focusing on the development, integration and application of robotics, software controls and machine learning solutions for producing FC stack technologies.
This will be achieved through a feasibility study to include:
* Developing a technology roadmap to demonstrating robotics stack manufacturing FC capability
* Key component development (MEA's, endplates, bi-polar plates) for in-house automated production to feed into final modular stack manufacture
* Implementation of advanced inline testing capabilities, to provide a no faults forward stack production capability
* Analysis of co-operative interaction capabilities and associated learnings in this key area of the FC system production process
* Developing advanced automation concepts in 3D and test virtual manufacturing scenarios (digital prototyping)
* Study end user requirements specific to active implementation into light/medium duty automotive applications
The main HySMART deliverable will be key outputs from a comprehensive demonstrator study, detailing advanced product designs and validating key technical challenges; developing FC components ('design for assembly/disassembly'), installation/implementation of in-house robotics manufacturing, and inline testing capability producing high quality conformable modular FC stacks for light/medium duty vehicle applications.
HySMART will result in the following benefits:
* Instill automotive sector confidence in hydrogen FC technology, accelerating commercial uptake.
* Provide industry stakeholders (manufacturers, OEM's, supply chain, etc.) with the operational and technical requirements of using advanced robotics in UK FC stack volume manufacture.
* Enhanced conformational capabilities for FC stack developers to provide diverse and system range.
* Roadmap to production of working robotic FC stack demonstrator with enhanced inline testing capabilities.
* Implementation and roll-out of novel production processes, providing advanced cost-effective modular FC stack systems.
* A FC stack system architecture, manufacturable by automation, delivering improved efficiency, and reproducibility.
* Opportunities to develop and expand products into additional markets and sectors.
Total project size will be £800,607, last 12 months and involve 5 UK partners (Bramble Energy, Microcab, Loop Technology, UCL and HSSMI).
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| LOOP TECHNOLOGY LIMITED | £112,842 | £ 78,990 |
Participant |
||
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON | £160,938 | £ 160,938 |
| HSSMI TRADING LIMITED | ||
| MICROCAB INDUSTRIES LIMITED | £105,780 | £ 74,046 |
| BRAMBLE ENERGY LIMITED | £323,056 | £ 226,139 |
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON | ||
| HSSMI LIMITED | £91,755 | £ 91,755 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Andrew Pass (Project Manager) |