The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has developed a four-cylinder engine at their power train engineering (PTE) laboratory, according to a report by Times of India. The 3.9 liter engine, modified from an existing CNG engine, will support an 18 per cent blend of hydrogen and compressed natural gas (HCNG). It promises to reduce carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and other emissions.
Dr S S Thipse, the lab’s senior assistant director, has confirmed with NGV Global News that the HCNG engine reduces nitrogen dioxide along with other pollutants, adding that the fuel economy and power output of the engine is superior when compared to CNG’s; 20 per cent of HCNG blend can cut 40-50 per cent carbon monoxide, 25-30 per cent non-methane hydrocarbons, 45-50 per cent nitrogen dioxide and 7 to 10 per cent carbon dioxide emissions.
Dr Thipse has also confirmed that -
- The changes required for technology adoption of HCNG are minimum like those in injectors, fuel lines and addition of gas leak detectors.
- The HCNG engine meets Euro-V norms with minimum changes to operation and maintenance procedures of standard CNG light and heavy commercial vehicles.
- The cost would be Rs 5-6 (USD 0.11 – 0.13) more than CNG. Hydrogen is an alternative fuel but there are issues like safety, cost of production and storage.
The HCNG engine will be on display at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, although not within a vehicle.
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