On Nov. 1, Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) launched Project Unity, a collaborative effort with Holtex and the University of Manchester to develop an advanced digital tool aimed at improving the design and durability of components used in hydrogen-fuelled powertrains.

Project Unity employs machine learning-driven digital tools to accelerate speed to market by predicting long-term failure modes in critical powertrain components. By reducing the need for physical testing, this approach enhances speed to market while also improving reliability and development efficiency. The project focuses on collecting real-world data on components such as turbomachine turbines, compressors, and bearings used in hydrogen-powered systems, enabling advanced simulations for robust, data-informed design improvements.

Cummins will lead Project Unity from its Huddersfield, UK facility. The £2.4M in total grant funding from the UK Government will be leveraged by Cummins and its partners to deliver the project. The award is provided through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK(APC)’s Collaborative Research and Development funding round, APC25 and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, a part of UK Research & Innovation. Project Unity is one of the eight projects sharing £29.6 million of UK Government grant. APC collaborates with the UK government, the automotive industry and academia to accelerate the industrialization of technologies, supporting the transition to green transport. With its deep sector expertise in net-zero technologies, APC’s role in building and advising project consortia helps projects start more quickly and deliver increased value. Innovate UK is the UK’s national innovation agency. It drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas, including those from the UK’s world class research base.           

“Building on previous successful APC projects, Cummins is excited to announce APC 25 Project Unity,” said Laith Al-Kazaz, Director of Advanced Engineering at Cummins. “This project will support Cummins Destination Zero strategy by enabling the accelerated product development of reliable lower carbon emission powertrains.   We have a proven track record with our UK-based partners and look forward to advancing our capabilities in these novel technologies.”

Typically, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) ensure component reliability through extensive physical testing. However, Project Unity introduces a mixed-fidelity machine learning approach to predict key failure modes, including hydrogen effects, water droplet erosion, and structural integrity. The tool will be applied to fuel cell (FC) e-turbo and Hydrogen-ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) turbocharger components, supported by advanced simulations to accelerate the design process.

With support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), Project Unity not only integrates digital transformation strategies but also supports the transition from diesel ICE to hydrogen powertrains in both on-highway and off-highway applications. This initiative aligns with the Automotive Council's roadmap towards decarbonization and contributes to Cummins' broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As the consortium continues its work on this innovative digital analysis tool, it remains committed to supporting the global shift towards energy transition.

About Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, is comprised of five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by our global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins earned about $735 million on sales of $34.1 billion in 2023.

Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The company’s history of drivetrain innovation, quality, and partnership drives Cummins to provide dependable component technologies for today, tomorrow, and beyond. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), and founded in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 75,500 people globally.  In the UK, Cummins has several technical and manufacturing facilities that employ around 5,000 people across 16 locations. See how Cummins is powering a world that's always on by accessing news releases and more information at https://www.cummins.com/.

About Holtex Limited

Holtex Limited is a UK-based engineering firm specialising in precision machining and advanced manufacturing solutions for complex components. Founded in 2014 in West Yorkshire, Holtex is a trusted partner for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and energy. Holtex has earned a strong reputation by combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, delivering high-quality, bespoke solutions that meet the most demanding specifications.

In addition to their own internal R&D projects, they provide support to their customers for precision manufacturing and new product development, utilising their knowledge and expertise to bring products to reality from concept stage, through to production. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Holtex continues to drive forward the boundaries of what is possible in modern manufacturing.

For further information on Holtex and the services they offer, please visit holtex.co.uk.

About The University of Manchester 

The University of Manchester, a member of the prestigious Russell Group, is one of the UK’s largest single-site universities, with over 40,000 students, 12,000 staff, and an alumni network of 500,000 former students from more than 190 countries. Ranked in the top ten globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, the university also holds the title of top UK university for graduate employability, as noted in The Graduate Market in 2022. Notably, 25 Nobel laureates have either studied or worked at the institution. In the UK government’s 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), Manchester ranked 5th for research power, which reflects the quality, scale, and impact of its research.

In 2024, The University of Manchester is celebrating its bicentenary. The institution continues to lead transformative change, tackling some of the planet’s most pressing challenges and making a difference locally, nationally, and internationally. The university’s Modelling and Simulation Centre (MaSC) serves as a multidisciplinary hub focused on advancing computational engineering. MaSC specializes in innovative physical modeling of fluids and solids, the development of software for Computational Fluid Dynamics and Structural Mechanics, and knowledge transfer to industry. https://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/msc/