Coventry University Group and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) have embarked on a pioneering collaboration aimed at revolutionizing the transportation of hydrogen through the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Dr Arivazhagan Anbalagan, Assistant Professor in Digital Manufacturing at Coventry University. Image Credit: Coventry University Group
Hydrogen has emerged as a vital component of clean energy technologies, helping to phase out fossil fuels and the transition to net zero, but its transportation poses significant challenges.
Hydrogen Embrittlement (H2E), which occurs most notably in steels, iron, nickel and their alloys causing them to become brittle and fracture due to the introduction and diffusion of hydrogen into the material, and can lead to catastrophic failures and hydrogen leakage.
Researchers at Coventry University’s Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) and the Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems (CALPS) are working with VIT engineering and manufacturing academics to develop safe and cost-effective storage and transportation methods using generative AI.
This two-year initiative running until 2026 has been funded by the British Council UKIERI (UK-India Education and Research Initiative), a multi-stakeholder programme that looks to strengthen the research, leadership and education between the UK and India.
The team, led by Dr Arivazhagan Anbalagan, Assistant Professor in Digital Manufacturing at Coventry University, and Dr Margret Anouncia S, Professor of Software Systems at VIT, will pave the way for safer and more reliable hydrogen transportation solutions.
Dr Anbalagan said: “As hydrogen becomes a key clean energy focus, developing safe, cost-effective storage and transportation is crucial. Using AI to predict and prevent hydrogen embrittlement will aim to enhance storage and transportation system’s safety and reliability.
“Our team at Coventry University is excited about working with VIT colleagues. This project will significantly aid both countries' net-zero carbon efforts. We're prepared for this two-year journey to foster research collaboration, and innovation and strengthen educational ties with VIT through PhD studentships and joint BSc/MSc courses.”
Dr Margret Anouncia S, Professor of Software Systems at Vellore Institute of Technology, said: “Receiving joint strategic academic and research grants under the UKIERI scheme from the British Council (known as SPARC in India) from India demonstrates our commitment to fostering global partnerships and driving innovation in engineering education and research.
“Our collaboration aims to harness generative AI to tackle global industry challenges especially in manufacturing and transportation. Our Memorandum of Understanding with Coventry University underpins our shared dedication to advancing academic and research initiatives that promote global innovation and sustainability.”
Leena Arora Kukreja, Regional Managing Director of Coventry University Group's India Hub, said: “Education and research collaborations are a crucial pillar of the UK-India 2030 roadmap. I am proud that Coventry University and VIT received the UKIERI grant from British Council India. I congratulate both teams on this significant next step which will generate cutting-edge research on topics of crucial global importance such as net-zero emissions.”