NOx Emissions and Efficiency of Hydrogen, Natural Gas, and Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blended Fuels

Engine dynamometer testing of homogeneous charge, spark ignition lean burn engines fueled by natural gas, hydrogen/natural gas blends and neat hydrogen was conducted to determine if NO_x emissions from blended fuel operation can be reduced below those generated from natural gas operation, approaching those due to a 100% hydrogen fueled engine. The preliminary tests were conducted at the University of Central Florida/Florida Solar Energy Center on an eight cylinder automotive engine. The results indicate that the hydrogen/natural gas fuel has the potential of meeting highly restrictive NO_x levels. Sandia National Laboratories conducted follow-on, comparative tests using a single cylinder research engine. The Sandia results indicate that the proposed CARB EZEV standard for NO_x can be met without exhaust gas aftertreatment using a 30% hydrogen (by volume) / 70% natural gas blend fuel in a constant speed/power, hybrid vehicle application which achieves 60 MPG gasoline equivalent efficiency.