Project Summary

This project proposes a prototype design of the solar-hydrogen storage (SHS) integrated electric vehicle charging station. Planning of the SHS-EV charging stations will be conducted in UK cities, by optimising the location and phased construction plan, in relation to the city’s existing petrol stations, transport network, local solar irradiance and electric demand centres.

Project Achievements

Initial Development: scaled the concept system to fit with operational constraints of the test facilities. 

Computational Fluid Dynamics: verified that the concept would work in the test tunnel conditions and allowed iteration of the design to increase its efficiency. 

Prototype Fabrication: design development provided dimensions for the physical prototype and HOLTEX Ltd. were subcontracted to make the air injection unit. 

Physical Model Testing: model tests were undertaken at the Newcastle University Emerson Cavitation Tunnel verifying the viability of passive aeration of the boundary layer for resistance reduction. 

Result Post Processing: analysis of results from the physical model tests have provided ATL with a greater understanding of the system functionality and delivered system credibility. ATL filed a successful patent application in April 2021. 

Next Steps

What Next? The next step is to conduct laboratory demonstration and site implementation of the project, and seek funding opportunities to progress to a higher technology readiness level. This activity will be supported by building partnerships with HVSS Ltd, research institutes and EV charging infrastructure and manufacturing stakeholders.