|
Roush Technologies shows its latest
bi-fuel Internal Combustion Engine conversion (H2ICE) technology at the
Cenex hosted UK National Low Carbon Vehicle event at Millbrook Proving
Ground tomorrow (28th October 2008). Roush has modified the engine of a
Ford Transit-based vehicle to operate using compressed hydrogen gas fuel
– but it can also operate from its existing petrol fuelled system
without any adverse effects.
|
|
The special
demonstration vehicle is designed to show that hydrogen as a
fuel – and the associated equipment – are practical and
efficient in a vehicle powered by an internal combustion
engine. The concept is expected to accelerate the availability
of CO2-free, hydrogen-fuelled commercial vehicles
operating in Britain. |
The conversion features
Ford’s 2.3-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, to which Roush has added a
belt-driven supercharger with intercooler. This provides additional
combustion air under pressure when the fuel mode switch is selected to
hydrogen only. The engine retains its conventional spark ignition
system.
The hydrogen fuel is currently designed
to be stored in three tanks, underslung below the vehicle floor. This
installation provides a usable storage capacity for 4.5 kilograms of
hydrogen at 350bar (5000psi) and gives an estimated range between 95
miles for the urban cycle and 135 miles for open highway running.
Additional capacity can be added if required. Importantly, the location
and configuration of the tanks allows the retention of the volume and
load height of the base vehicle – with no intrusion or interference
within the load space.
Roush Technologies recently established
a collaboration agreement with ITM Power plc to provide the breakthrough
refuelling solution by enabling vehicle operators to generate their own
hydrogen fuel. Using a patented electrolyser, due to enter production
at ITM’s special facility in Sheffield later this year, it is possible
to make hydrogen fuel wherever there is a source of electricity and
water.
The advances in electrolysis technology
that ITM has achieved elegantly address the hydrogen infrastructure
issue by using the already developed electricity and water distribution
network. The electrolyser can produce hydrogen from water and any
source of electricity including off-peak or renewable energy –
electricity generated by wind, wave or solar power. Unlike petrol or
diesel, when hydrogen burns, it releases no CO2, merely water
vapour.
|
