Trial of Supplementary H2 Injection in Fishing Vessel
06 June 2008
Testa & Cunhas, SA, a Portuguese fishing company, is installing a Hydrogen Fuel Injection system from Hydrogen Hybrid Technologies on one of its fishing vessels. (Earlier post.)
The HFI system uses an on-board electrolyzer to produce hydrogen, which is then injected into the fuel-air charge in a diesel or gasoline engine, thereby reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
A. Miguel Cunha began discussing the adaptability of the HFI system to his fishing fleet a number of months ago. The fishing industry, particularly in Portugal and Spain has been under great pressure with the rising fuel costs.
Based on the anticipated success of the first installations, the two companies have already begun preliminary discussions regarding the potential of Mr. Cunha acquiring the distribution rights for various markets and regions in Portugal and Spain.
HFI units are being used by more than 150 fleets of long-haul transport trucks, ambulances, municipal buses and other heavy equipment.
The claim is that
1 ) You reclaim some of the energy used to make the hydrogen when you burn it.
2 ) The hydrogen burns faster igniting the regular fuel earlier in the cycle. Here having a slightly richer O2 level from the electrolysis may also help.
3 ) The more rapid burning may make a slightly improved power curve, and recoup more power than it cost to make the hydrogen.
Tests are ongoing, with claims not always substantiated by independent testers.
Posted by: | 06 June 2008 at 01:31 PM
Has this system been subjected to any independent testing? There is a small problem with the first law of thermodynamics unless I am missing something.
Where is Rafael?
Bill
Posted by: Bill Young | 06 June 2008 at 06:46 PM
Bill
The hydrogen is for increasing the combustion speed, and thus increase the pressure near TDC. This results in greater efficiency via utilizing more of the energy (from all the fuel) released. So while the energy from H2 is a net loss, overall, the overall engine efficiency is increased.
Posted by: allen_xl_z | 06 June 2008 at 09:19 PM