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WA project trials hydrogen unit in wheel loader

A major project in WA has seen significant fuel efficiency benefits from a retrofitted hydrogen-producing unit in one of its wheel loaders

Western Australia’s METRONET Byford Rail Extension Project has trialled the use of a retrofitted hydrogen-producing unit in one of its wheel loaders, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut back on traditional diesel.

Developed by South Australian hydrogen technology company HYDI, the compact, self-contained unit set to have a lifecycle of 20 years, was installed on a Cat 962 loader to produce hydrogen on demand for its engine.

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METRONET says it does this using proton exchange membrane cells to produce hydrogen from distilled water without any additional chemicals. Hydrogen has around three times more energy value than diesel and produces fewer pollutants when burned, METRONET adds.

Before the HYDI unit was installed on the loader, the machine used 8.18 litres of diesel per hour. After installation, fuel consumption improved to 6.56 litres per hour – a 19 per cent increase in fuel efficiency.

Over 130 hours, the unit saved approximately 210.6 litres of diesel and used only 3.5 litres of distilled water.

METRONET will continue to test the HYDI unit on more of its equipment, with the project team aiming for a minimum of 10 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency across various equipment.

Data will be tracked monthly and results will be shared with the industry to encourage adoption of this technology.

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