Optimising the performance of hydrogen fuel cells to support carbon zero transport

As the transport sector looks to reduce its emissions in response to climate change challenges, hydrogen energy presents a viable path to zero-emission transport.

Coventry University’s hydrogen energy research focuses on improving hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyser technologies - the process of using electricity to break water into hydrogen and oxygen - to enhance the performance and durability of hydrogen fuel cells and accelerate their manufacturing scale-up. 

A research and development centre of excellence

The Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS) is a £50m research centre within the Centre for E-Mobility and Clean Growth, based on the campus in Coventry, West Midlands. C-ALPS was set up with founding partner and globally leading engineering consultancy, FEV which has its UK commercial operations co-located in the C-ALPS facility.

The partnership with FEV is an example of university research and innovation experts successfully working together with industry on science and engineering developing the next generation of propulsion systems and accelerating the transition to carbon-zero transport.

Hydrogen energy expertise

C-ALPS has one of the UK’s largest dedicated hydrogen fuel cell testing facilities which allows its researchers to develop hydrogen fuel cell-based powertrains through collaborative research and commercial contracts.

The fuel cell research at C-ALPS focuses on mid-Technology Readiness Level (TRL) activities, supported by facilities that are set up for testing fuel cell stacks and systems at high power levels (up to 300kW). Experts can also develop bespoke test stands for the characterisation of fuel cell stacks and electrolysers, applying advanced diagnostic techniques to improve understanding of internal processes to inform design improvements.

Services for industry partners

C-ALPS provide a cost-effective route for industry partners to progress focused research and development projects. Its Hydrogen Energy Applications Laboratory can serve as a sandbox for the development and evaluation of new hydrogen energy technologies.

Supported by an experienced team of engineers and academics, C-ALPS can help businesses to prove-out new concepts, develop and demonstrate prototypes and gain a deeper insight into complex phenomena arising in novel components and systems.  

Find out more

To find out more about our research excellence in Hydrogen Energy Research, please get in touch with Dr Oliver Curnick, Associate Professor of Electrochemical Power Sources.

Alternatively, you can email the Clean Growth and Future Mobility team at Coventry University.