A new hydrogen-powered bicycle developed by the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Hydrogen SA, is designed as a clean transport alternative and testing vehicle for future fuel cell technologies.
Science and technology minister Naledi Pandor unveiled the hydrogen-powered bike in Pilanesberg, last week, during the Resource Driven Technology Concept Centre SA (RETECZA) conference. The organisation focuses on developing next-generation technology aimed at alleviating poverty and creating sustainable industrial growth.
The bike, called 'A hi fambeni', a Tsonga term meaning 'let's go', was built by students at TUT under the guidance of former Ducati motorbike designer, Pierre Terblanche. He was sponsored by the DST to work at the university for a month on the design of the bicycle, in the context of the RETECZA project.
According to the department, the bicycle is meant to accommodate the transport needs of people living in rural villages, and is in line with its long-term hydrogen and fuel cell technology (HFCT) Research, Development and Innovation Strategy.
HySA Systems, one of the Centres of Competence under the strategy, developed the hydrogen-storage technology. Dr Piotr Bujlo, who was responsible for testing and final system integration, says storage in metal hydrides form was selected as the most suitable solution for the fuel-cell powered bike.
“It is the safest method for hydrogen storage and has many other advantages. For example, it allows one to store a large amount of gas in a tank of a very small capacity.”
The HFCT R&D strategy was created by the DST to initiate new hi-tech industries based on minerals found on South African soil, especially platinum group metals (PGMs).
In this way, the department aims to supply 25% of the global demand for PGM-based catalysts, which are critical for the efficient operation of fuel cells, by 2020.
Dr Oystein Ulleberg, director of HySA Systems, says the hydrogen-powered bike is chiefly a public awareness project, and has not yet been incorporated as a key project in its business plan.
“Formally, it is only a one-year 'special project'. The future of the project remains to be seen, as it requires extra funding,” he explains.
Ulleberg says the main motivation for HySA Systems' involvement in the project was to develop and test two key technologies it is responsible for, namely metal hydrides for hydrogen storage, and high-temperature PEM fuel cell, for the conversion of hydrogen to electric power.
“The H2-bike was also an opportunity for us to look at light-weight duty vehicles, which is part of the Hydrogen Fuelled Vehicle programme that we are responsible for,” he notes.
According to Ulleberg, HySA Systems has targeted forklift trucks, as this is one of the most commercially viable markets for fuel cells. “The H2-bike is a nice stepping stone into making metal hydrides for forklift trucks.”
HySA Systems says its long-term goal is to develop key components for HFCT, validate technology and systems for specific applications, and facilitate the export of new technology from SA to international markets.
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