Hydrogen Boosted Gas Engines
With the ever increasing cost of gasoline prices, auto makers are having to work overtime to cost effictively improve the fuel economy, while still meeting the strict emission requirements of today with gasoline engines.
One ideal and promising way to boost the fuel economy of gas engines is to add hydrogen to the fuel/air mixture in the engine. Since hydrogen isn't available at the local gas station, selling a hydrogen boosted gas engine wasn't on the list of engines - until now.
Lack of emission A major cost and environmental advantage to hydrogen boosted gas engines are low amounts of NOx emission gas, which will completely eliminate the need for external NOx emissions control. Currently, NOx emissions control is a major cost problem for diesel engines which use expensive traps to meet the emission standards. Diesel engines particulate emissions that must be collected by a filter that should be changed periodically.
Hydrogen boosted engines on the other hand require neither NOx or particulate control and require only a low cost oxidation catalyst to control very small amounts of exhaust which is formed mostly during the engine starting up and warming up. Additional cuts in emissions control requirements stem from the engine's ability to use only the clean hydrogen enriched charge during the cold start phase when 90% of emissions are generated in the emission test.
Cost The hydrogen boost system is effectively a bolt on technology that can be added to an existing vehicle's engine compartment. According to those developing the system, the cost of the system is less than half of the added cost for diesel.
The future Prototype hydrogen boosted engines are now be installed in test SUV vehicles that have sufficient space for the reformer and it's related system. The start of long term road testing for performance, reliability, and durability information is planned for later on in the year before the system goes further into development.
Four cylinder gasoline engines will likely be the prime candidates for the technology as high gas prices continue to generate competition among the higher fuel economy models that seek MPG leadership.
With gas prices getting higher and higher, hydrogen boosted gas engines offer you the chance to get more miles per gallon and not have to worry about burning up all of your fuel. Instead of having to go out and buy a diesel to conserve fuel, hydrogen boosted units will help you preserve gas.
Even though they aren't available to buy right now, they will be very soon. Many manufacturers are looking into them, as they offer gasoline engines something like never before. If you own a gas powered vehicle and have thought of giving it up to go diesel, you might want to think again - as hydrogen boost units may change the world of gas engines forever.
More Articles
Diesel Versus Spark Engine Ignition
Diesel Engines Forgotten Treasures
Related Products And FREE Videos
More Articles
... compression ratios and resulting high cylinder pressure in diesel engines, they must be built to withstand a lot more punishment than gas engines. The parts that are spruced up include a thicker block and cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, and valves, which can be very costly indeed. When it comes to ...
General Information On Diesel Engines
... engines are more efficient when throttled down, they aren't suitable for most types of aircraft. The higher compression ratios of the diesel cycle demand a much stronger block, head, and almost all moving parts in general. These stronger parts add a lot of weight, or a lot of expense, especially if lighter ...
... level of technology, fossil fuels, and especially diesel are the most economical and convenient means of supplying power to a variety of equipment and even backup generators. All industrial diesel engines can be either air cooled or water cooled. The smallest engines for residential purposes will typically ...
... record. There are also several gas credit cards that will give you extra rewards and point systems. What this means, is that the card holder can earn cash back on certain purchases. The more points you get, the bigger product you can receive. The ideal purpose of applying for gas credit cards is to help ...
Diesel Engines Forgotten Treasures
... have too much sulfur in the diesel here in the United States. This cheap grade of diesel fuel will run havoc on the more sophisticated diesels offered overseas and cause an increase in emissions. There is hope however, as refiners will soon be producing what is known as ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. This ...