Roush Technology Makes the Case for Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines Now - VIDEO FEATURE

EDITOR'S NOTE: A few years ago, BMW and Quantum Technologies spent some time (and a whole bunch of money) introducing the idea of using hydrogen internal combustion engines as the way to achieve zero emissions and get off the gasoline standard. Other than Jay Leno and us, there didn't seem to be a lot of takers. Well, interestingly enough, here's Roush Technologies (a spin-off from Roush Racing) taking a new crack at hydrogen ICE, instead of hydrogen fuel-cell engines. It still makes sense. Take a look at the video, read the story, and then take a look back at a video that Jay Leno did about the BMW ICE.

BRENTWOOD, England - October 29, 2008: Roush Technologies showed its latest bi-fuel Internal Combustion Engine conversion (H2ICE) technology at the Cenex hosted UK National Low Carbon Vehicle event at Millbrook Proving Ground yesterday. 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.

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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.

EDITOR'S NOTE #2: We’ve yet to hear good, rational reasons why the hydrogen fuel-cell alternative is better than hydrogen internal combustion. If you know of any, please share it with us and our audience.

Thanks for your time, and now, herrre's Jay:

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