Project Summary

HyFlux has come up with a maritime propulsion system called True Zero Emissions which produces no harmful by-products; only water and heat. This is achieved by using cryogenic liquid hydrogen fuel to feed a fuel cell, creating electricity and cooling a superconducting motor powered by the fuel cell. This powers a vessel’s driveshaft and propeller. Not only is this technology applicable to marine, but with minor adjustments can be suitable for other forms of transport such as aircraft and road vehicles.

Project Achievements

Hyflux successfully developed PowerSim, a 1D systems modelling tool to simulate hydrogen-electric powertrains, with a focus on superconducting motor integration. The model enables rapid evaluation of conventional vs. superconducting motor architectures, including thermodynamic performance and cooling strategies. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) was also created to enhance usability and support future integration. PowerSim produced validated efficiency insights and supported key trade-off studies, reducing early-stage development cost and risk. The project also formalised structured modelling and programme delivery frameworks to support future R&D scaling. These achievements position Hyflux as a credible partner in advanced propulsion and strengthen its path toward prototype development and commercialisation.

Conclusions

This TRIG funded project demonstrated that superconducting motors, when integrated with cryogenic hydrogen-electric powertrains, offer significant efficiency and weight advantages. PowerSim enabled advanced system-level simulation and sensitivity analysis, informing performance targets and design trade-offs—particularly in cooling system integration. It also identified interdependencies and technical constraints, shaping practical engineering priorities for Hyflux’s superconducting motor roadmap. While further physical validation is required, the technical and strategic groundwork laid during this project will inform scalable,
zero-emission propulsion development. It also significantly strengthened Hyflux’s internal delivery capabilities and strategic positioning for future funding and technical partnerships.

Next Steps

Hyflux will continue evolving PowerSim, incorporating detailed data inputs and improving the modelling of cooling system dynamics. These refinements will directly feed into the company’s ATI-funded superconducting motor programme, which will produce and test a working prototype. Alongside this, Hyflux will pursue collaboration with maritime integrators, aerospace OEMs, and academic institutions to expand system-level validation and industry uptake. The structured modelling and governance framework established during TRIG will also underpin proposals for future funding and commercial engagement. As the motor matures toward higher TRLs, PowerSim will support design iteration, test planning, and industry-specific integration pathways.