The Hydrogen/Petrol Engine - The Means to Give Good Part-Load Thermal Efficiency

This paper describes the performance and emissions of a spark-ignited engine using a dual-Fuel mixture of petrol and a small flow rate of hydrogen. Such an engine can be run at all speeds with a wide-open throttle and the specific fuel consumption and B.T.E. figures indicate a greater part load efficiency than those from a throttled engine. Similar results are also presented using a higher compression ratio of 11.7:1.

Emissions data indicate reduced levels of CO, CO₂, and NO_x at part load due to the very lean mixtures used.

No problem of backfiring has been experienced since the concentration of hydrogen is very low.

Work is continuing on the storage of the hydrogen in a suitable hydride and on a mechanism to introduce the hydrogen directly into the engine cylinder, rather than into the intake system.