Recognising road sweepers’ pivotal role in maintaining urban cleanliness and environmental well-being, Water Fuel Engineering aimed to enhance the efficiency of these vital machines and reduce their environmental impact. In collaboration with Stock Sweepers Ltd., the premier British-owned road sweeper manufacturer, efforts were made to integrate HydroGen electrolysers into their newly manufactured machinery. This strategic partnership aimed to optimise combustion efficiency for existing vehicles and set a precedent for the broader industry.
Located in Cinderford, the collaboration with Stock Sweepers Ltd. involved installing HydroGen electrolysers on their newly manufactured road sweepers, all covered by factory warranty. This presented a unique challenge of ensuring seamless integration while preserving the warranty coverage, demonstrating the technology’s viability for both new and existing vehicles. Addressing this challenge was crucial in establishing the HydroGen electrolysers as a reliable and effective solution for the broader automotive manufacturing sector.
The outcome of the collaboration was the development of the world’s first hydrogen hybrid road sweeper back in 2016. This ground-breaking achievement was showcased at the Resource & Waste Management trade show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK. Notably, the modified road sweeper boasted the lowest emissions in its class, marking a significant milestone in promoting environmentally responsible practices in the road cleaning industry. The first council to install the modified road sweepers was the Redbridge council.
Through this collaboration, the versatility of the HydroGen unit was demonstrated by showcasing its ability to reduce emissions from the auxiliary engines that power the road sweeper’s brushes and vacuum. The success of this project highlighted the technology’s adaptability in contributing to both cleaner streets and air quality. Jeff Stock, Managing Director of Stock Sweepers Ltd., emphasised the importance of addressing modern legislation and ensuring clean streets and cleaner air, underscoring the positive impact of the hydrogen hybrid road sweeper in achieving these objectives. This collaboration serves as a compelling example for other manufacturers, showcasing the potential of HydroGen electrolysers in advancing the environmental performance of both new and existing vehicle fleets.
