How can we move heavy loads over long distances without relying on fossil fuels? DT-HATS is exploring one part of the answer.
Decarbonising heavy-duty transport is particularly challenging. Heavy-duty vehicles require high energy density, long driving ranges, short refuelling times and sufficient power for heavy loads. This means that one technology may not be suitable for every application.
Among the different options, hydrogen (H₂) and ammonia (NH₃) offer significant potential as carbon-free fuels. However, their use also presents technical challenges. Ammonia has low reactivity, low flame speed and a high ignition temperature, which can affect combustion efficiency and lead to unwanted emissions.
Hydrogen can help address some of these limitations. Its high reactivity and fast flame propagation can improve ignition, enhance combustion and increase combustion stability when combined with ammonia.
Where DT-HATS comes in
DT-HATS brings together experiments, CFD simulations, machine learning, injection and ignition research, digital twins and reduced-order models to better understand and optimise hydrogen and ammonia technologies, from fundamental combustion processes to engine-level applications.
The future of heavy-duty transport will likely require more than one technology. For DT-HATS, decarbonisation is not only about finding alternative fuels, but also about understanding how to use them efficiently.
Explore the attached infographic to learn more about how DT-HATS is contributing to the decarbonisation of heavy-duty transport.