Title: Variable mixtures of hydrogen and methane in the internal combustion engine of a prototype vehicle: regulations, safety and potential

Authors: Manfred Klell, Helmut Eichlseder, Markus Sartory

Addresses: Institute for Internal Combustion Engines and Thermodynamics, Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, Austria; HyCentA Research GmbH, A-8010 Graz, Austria. ' Institute for Internal Combustion Engines and Thermodynamics, Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, Austria. ' HyCentA Research GmbH, A-8010 Graz, Austria

Abstract: Taking advantage of the multi-fuel ability of internal combustion engines, a vehicle concept is presented that combines the conventional functionality of gasoline operation with the potential for CO₂-free operation with hydrogen, biogas or any mixtures of these two gases. By means of a prototype vehicle that was adapted and approved for road traffic, necessary safety measures for gas-powered vehicles are detailed, and a survey of international standards and regulations is given. An electronic gas safety system was developed allowing on-board monitoring of the condition of the gas system.

Keywords: hydrogen; methane; gas mixtures; internal combustion engines; CO2-free traffic; regulations; standards; safety; vehicle emissions; carbon emissions; carbon dioxide; multi-fuel ability; biogas; gas powered vehicles; electronic gas safety systems; on-board monitoring; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2010.035356

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2010 Vol.54 No.2, pp.137 - 155

Published online: 26 Sep 2010 *

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