IAAPS has appointed Sierra CP Engineering to design and deliver the installation of four high-tech hydrogen fuel compliant test cells at its state-of-the-art centre at the Bristol & Bath Science Park. The move will substantially increase IAAPS’ research and innovation capabilities to safely develop new hydrogen fuel technologies, supporting the wider mobility sector from fundamental research to new product introduction.
Sierra CP is a leading provider of test cell equipment and facilities and has been at the forefront of test cell conversions to enable safe operation with hydrogen fuel for several years. Work on the £2m development will see the installation of two bespoke hydrogen research cells from scratch, while in parallel two existing cells will be upgraded to be H2 fuel compliant.
“The installation of the hydrogen test cells is a major investment for IAAPS and will significantly expand our hydrogen facilities onsite, providing bespoke capabilities for world class research and innovation in sustainable, low carbon hydrogen, enabling us to work in partnership with industry, business and academia to harness the potential H2 offers. These transformative technologies will have far reaching impact and drive the transition towards net zero,” says Professor Sam Akehurst, Research Director, IAAPS.
“We are delighted to engage with Sierra CP on the fit-out and configuration of our hydrogen test cells. Their expertise in test cell equipment and conversions specific to H2 is invaluable and therefore makes them ideally placed to carry out the installation. On completion, we will be able to test H2 Fuel Cells and IC Engines up to 500kW. We will also have hydrogen research capabilities to evaluate critical H2 sub components in a Hydrogen Research lab space,” he adds.
Sierra CP has been delivering testing equipment and facilities for over 20 years with hydrogen fuel specific test cell solutions for the past three years. Some test cells have been a re-work of existing test cell installations, re-using ductwork and equipment or facility items where appropriate, while others have been clean installations from a base shell.
“We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to support this exciting new development at IAAPS and to play a key role in the delivery of the company’s industry leading H2 capabilities. By providing high-quality equipment and support for this state-of-the-art facility, we are confident that we can help drive vital innovation and progress in the hydrogen landscape, and we look forward to working closely with IAAPS,” says Phil Roberts, Head of Applications, Sierra CP.
23 May 2023