Comments on: hydrogen or natural gas car conversion?

By: Nginr

Nginr — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:07:59 +0000

In principal the same combustion reaction occurs – however…

The greatest barrier to hydrogen powered cars is ptobably refueling. If you use a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell where the hydrogen is stored in a metal hydride how do you recharge the metal hydride? If you decide to use hydrogen as a gas you would need an enormous specially lined (H2 molecules will simply pass through the walls of a normal tank) stainless steel tank to provide any range. If you decide to use hydrogen as fluid (ie cryogenic temps) how do you pump it?

Using a fuel cell is the way to go, but I am not sure if they have figured out how to recharge the fuel cell.
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By: supervern79

supervern79 — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:27:59 +0000

The entire push for hydrogen is to create zero emissions, save pure water. The methane molecules in natural gas are far more energetic, but less reactive while still creating carbon dioxide. In the present time it is easier to store the more energetic methane due to its lower reactivity. You wouldn't need to change much for a hydrogen converter. Most hydrogen vehicles are fuel cells however, and I do not think there is a commercial H2 combustion engine yet. Fuel cells have highly specific and expensive membranes generating the electric current, and these may differ from methane to hydrogen.
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By: constapato 2

constapato 2 — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:59:59 +0000

The proper brain equipment would tell you not to use fire.
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By: Nickel Johann

Nickel Johann — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:16:59 +0000

fuel to air ratio
ignition point
knocking resistivity
-> so basically to get the most out of it you would need an adapted electronic.

seals (as hydrogen are among the smallest atoms)
storage (as hydrogen storage is much more dangerous)
fire protection equipment
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