The
Automobile
While fuel cells will likely power many future clean vehicles, they are
still several years away from mass production. Most of
today’s internal combustion engine vehicles can be modified to
run on hydrogen. Cars can then continue to use gasoline, or
switch to hydrogen at the flip of a switch, making it possible to
have uninterrupted travel when you are unable to find a hydrogen
fueling station.
The most expensive part of a hydrogen conversion is the carbon
fiber tank. A 5,000 psi tank can add $5,000-10,000 to the cost of
a vehicle. The 10,000 psi tanks are still done one at a time, and
can cost several times as much as a 5,000 psi tank. However, when
enough hydrogen cars are being built, mass production will reduce
component costs tremendously.
Compared to a fuel cell, the cost is still very close to that
of a gasoline-powered automobile. For a comparison of HICEs
(Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine) and Fuel Cells read the H2Nation
article, The
Hydrogen Fuel Cell vs. the Internal Combustion Engine Debate (pdf).
Conversion Companies
The following companies modify automobiles to run on hydrogen:
AFVTech
Hydrogen
Vehicle Systems
Intergalactic
Hydrogen
The Hydrogen
Car Company
Quantum
Technologies converts new Toyota Priuses to run on hydrogen.
For the Do It Yourselfer
Congratulations on your decision to convert your car to
hydrogen. You are to be commended for your efforts to clean the
air and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Bear in mind
that it is a complex endeavor, and for safety concerns, we do not
endorse or recommend that you undertake such a conversion.
However, if you are serious about investigating doing your own
conversion, we suggest attending the American Hydrogen Association
Hydrogen
Conversion Workshop. It is really essential to get this basic
education about hydrogen before attempting a conversion. It is an
excellent class, and will help to prepare you for converting all
types of internal combustion engines to run on hydrogen, as well
as provide very important training on hydrogen safety. You
will receive two books that are full of information about car
conversions: "The Philosopher Mechanic" and "Fuel
From Water". There is also some useful information on
the AHA web site, where they answer the question, Where
do I buy a kit to convert my car to hydrogen?
One of our favorite books on hydrogen tells the history of some
of the first automobile conversions in the U.S. "The World
Hydrogen View", by Dr. Roger E. Billings, chronicles the
trials and tribulations of his efforts at converting a number of
vehicles. It is very insightful, and a pleasure to read..
Links of Interest
EERE
Advanced Vehicle Testing: Hydrogen ICE Fuel Blended Vehicles
Ford
Motor Company to Display Hydrogen Technology at 2005 GSE Expo
-- I-Newswire -- Mar 3, 2005
Ford
Power Products Introduces Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines to
the Industrial Marketplace -- Ford -- Feb 24, 2005
