The Ford E450 - now certified for running on Hythane
Australian based energy provider Eden Energy Limited, and US converter BAF Technologies, have developed a Hythane® calibration for Ford 6.8L V10 engines used in E-450 vehicles. The calibration, which demonstrates the dramatic emissions reductions that can be achieved through the use of Hythane® a blend of hydrogen and compressed natural gas (HCNG), has been granted certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB certification allows commercial sale and use of the engine, no longer limiting it to use in demonstration projects.
The Hythane® calibration provides dramatic emissions enhancements over the natural gas version of the engine, which already provides substantial emissions benefits as compared to the gasoline version of the engine, according to an Eden Energy press release. Specifically, the Hythane® calibration reportedly achieves a 10.5% reduction in CO2, a 40% reduction in non-methane hydrocarbons, a 49% reduction in CH4 emissions, and a 70% reduction in particulate matter over the natural gas version of this engine.
Roger Marmaro, President and CEO of The Hythane Company, states, “The reduction in nonmethane hydrocarbons is critical, as these emissions contribute to the formation of photochemical smog, a significant problem in many urban areas.” In addition to emissions reductions, the use of Hythane® fuel provides a 3.9% efficiency gain over the natural gas version of the engine. When spread over a large fleet, efficiency gains provide considerable economic benefit.
The Hythane® engine calibration was designed for a Hythane project in progress at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). For this project, Hythane Company has received funding for station infrastructure as well as the conversion of 27 Ford E-450 airport shuttles to run on Hythane®. The SFO Hythane project is currently in the design and permitting stage, with construction planned for later in 2009.
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