WELSH TRIBRID BUS
One of the technologies further explored during the recent EVS23 electric vehicle conference in Anaheim, USA was a prototype minibus that is powered by a tribrid system using hydrogen fuel cells, lead acid batteries and ultracapacitors. This bus project is managed by Jonathan Williams at the University of Glamorgan, Wales.
The bus has a 55-mile per hour top speed and it can go about 150 miles. It has three power sources: hydrogen fuel cells, some batteries and ultracapacitors. The lead acid batteries are used for their particularly good high energy density. The onboard fuel cell is used as a range extender or onboard charger. The ultracaps are used to improve the regenerative breaking.The vehicle will be used from this year March onwards for intercampus transportation taking students from the University of Glamorgan, just outside Cardiff; to the new Cardiff Campus which is located within the city.
The prototype mini bus was showcased for the first time in London last September.
