Hydrogen is providing a viable decarbonisation solution across all modes of transportation. As each segment has its own unique set of legislative requirements and operational challenges, both hydrogen engine and hydrogen fuel cell technology have a role to play in the short term. Whichever technology is most suited to the platform, Ricardo is enabling our clients to make the jump to hydrogen propulsion. Our range of hydrogen engineering services cover a broad range of expertise for both hydrogen engine and fuel cell technologies including:

• Hydrogen powertrain development (H₂ engine and fuel cell system) and integration
• Vehicle optimisation inc thermal management and power distribution
• Simulation and modelling
• Fuel cell system and hydrogen engine test facilities
• Retrofit solutions
• Leak detection
• Cost reduction
• Lifecycle analysis
• Testing and development

Hydrogen is of growing interest in the rail sector and the public nature of rail networks provides an ideal platform for governments to support the investment and growth of a hydrogen economy.

To enable effective uptake of the technology across a range of transport sectors, development of multi-modal hydrogen hubs at combined depots, terminals and freight distribution centres on key corridors can be economically developed that service both road and rail freight (or even air and water if at strategic airports/waterways). This enables modal shift to the most effective transport mode for greatest environmental benefit per sector of journey, forming spoke and hub systems where long-distance freight would efficiently be transported by rail to local distribution centres. From these captive fleets for delivery by road powered by hydrogen or using electric batteries become viable. Removing the necessity for long distance haulage by road swings the propulsion model in favour of clean technology for this last part of the journey.

Ricardo has worked on a number of different hydrogen related projects in rail, including Porterbrook’s HydroFLEX, the first hydrogen-powered train to operate on the UK network, whilst a project in the Netherlands for the province of Groningen assessed the viability of hydrogen fuel cell range-extended battery-powered trains in an area which was out of scope for electrification but had short turnarounds and relatively long routes, negating battery-only operation.

Hydrogen and renewable energy will play a critical role in enabling the marine industry to meet its targets of significantly reducing carbon emissions and limiting its impact on climate change. Ricardo’s alternative fuel and renewable energy experts have been supporting the industry, operators and ports with understanding the policies and technologies needed to support achievement of mandatory emission requirements.

Ricardo is at the forefront of clean efficient propulsion development for the aerospace industry. Our expertise in aircraft propulsion systems and our capability in alternative fuels and hydrogen technology means that we can offer a broad range of engineering solutions and services for both commercial and defence applications.

Ricardo is offering technology agnostic, independent advice to the increasing number of businesses around the globe looking to adopt hydrogen technology as part of their decarbonisation strategies. Our experts also advise government agencies on the policy implications of promoting a hydrogen economy, and on financing and regulatory solutions to lower adoption costs and maximise environmental benefits.

Our independent experts advise across multiple sectors and global markets, from the transportation to hydrogen production and distribution, to energy and industrial applications. We are helping our clients to discover the best solutions for their unique requirements from a technical, environmental, and commercial perspective across the full product lifecycle.

Our services include: 

• Technology roadmapping and market forecasting
• Regulatory and policy analysis (UK, EU, Global)
• Market and Technology Studies for Marine
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Strategy
• Product development and market entry strategies
• Scenario planning for decarbonisation
• Total cost of ownership and Return on Investment modelling
• Life Cycle assessment
• Infrastructure analysis
• Air Quality
• Supply chain development
• Data collection
• Technical due diligence

In addition, our RiCK subscription service can give your team access to essential hydrogen research, including information on hydrogen production, storage and distribution, the latest global hydrogen news, access to technical papers and a list of conferences related to the hydrogen industry. 

Hydrogen propulsion is an ideal solution for the decarbonisation of the Off-Highway segment in situations and use cases where electrification would prove challenging to implement due to the demanding operational environments, heavy duty cycles and space constraints. Moreover, the repetitive drive cycles and predictable demand unlocks cost competitive hydrogen supply, enabling commercialisation in this sector.

Ricardo is working with OEMS to support the implementation of hydrogen propulsion for the large variety of machinery in the off-highway segment across a wide range of functionality and applications. We work directly with our clients to develop solutions unique to their off-highway portfolios, from feasibility studies to operational safety. We are developing bespoke hydrogen systems and implementing retrofit solutions to existing powertrains.