Cummins hydrogen internal combustion engine testing begins
July 16, 2021The company is moving forward with another form of innovative zero carbon technology.
Cummins Inc (NYSE stock symbol CMI) has announced that it is moving ahead with another form of zero carbon technology as it begins testing a hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine.
The tests are being conducted for proof-of-concept on existing technology from the company.
The hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine will help the company to apply its experience in gaseous-fuel applications and powertrain tech to moving cleaner power solutions forward. In this way, it seeks to provide its customers with the opportunity to meet both their needs and those of the environment in the future.
“Cummins is thrilled about the potential of the hydrogen engine to reduce emissions and provide power and performance for customers,” said Engine Segment President Srikanth Padmanabhan. “We are using all new engine platforms equipped with the latest technologies to improve power density, reduce friction and improve thermal efficiency, allowing us to avoid the typical performance limitations and efficiency compromises associated with converting diesel or natural gas engines over to hydrogen fuel. We have made significant technological advancements and will continue moving forward. We are optimistic about bringing this solution to market.”
The proof-of-concept hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine testing is only a first step.
After the testing is complete, Cummins intends to conduct a spectrum of evaluations on the engine. These will include several forms of on-highway and off-highway uses. The purpose is to complement the efforts the company is making for decarbonizing commercial vehicles.
“The hydrogen engine program can potentially expand the technology options available to achieve a more sustainable transport sector, complementing our capabilities in hydrogen fuel cell, battery electric and renewable natural gas powertrains,” said Vice President of Engine Business Engineering Jonathan White.
The use of hydrogen fuelled internal combustion engine technology could provide both end-users and OEMs the advantage of being able to adapt to decarbonizing technology while continuing the use of mechanical drivelines that are familiar to their users. Both the equipment integration and the vehicles themselves would mirror those of current powertrains, while still being able to keep up with the needs of various applications.
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Hydrogen fueled IC engines are nothing new but they will still produce harmful NOx depending on the combustion temperature. If you burn anything with air which is 80% nitrogen you will make NOx; Cummins needs to concentrate on developing their hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles which will convert more of the hydrogen energy to traction than IC.
This definitely seems like a backward step. Using hydrogen in a fuel cell powered vehicle is hugely inefficient compared to battery electric vehicles. Using in an ice car seems doubly wasteful.
So why has over 500 million dollars been spent on research and development so far with another 500 million in process of being spent for R and D if it doesn’t make sense physically and economically ?
This is great news!
How do you get over the explosive nature of hydrogen ?
Same way you get over the explosive nature of gasolene.
looks like CMI buying HYGS at $15 per share is showing results. HYGS had no capital to fill their orders.
So why has over 500 million dollars been spent on research and development so far with another 500 million in process of being spent for R and D if it doesn’t make sense physically and economically ?
From Henry Jo ([email protected])
I know the energy content of H2 is 1/3 of that of methane. But if you mix the H2 gas with water vapor, it can control the combustion temperature and steam expansion could help the power also. You may vaporize water and inject the steam into the combustion chamber.
This system may minimize the change of the current IC (Internal Combustion) engine system while the fuel cell system is so expensive.
You may have to carry a water tank and a hydrogen fuel tank in the car. If the combustion temperature could be reduced, then the NOx creation could be very much reduced.
Well done Henry Jo! Very correctly written.
Insightful! This can give a milestone move.