Hydrogen as a Fuel Supplement in a CNG Operated Vehicle Using a Simple Onboard Hydrogen Generation System

Natural gas operated gasoline engines achieve superior fuel economy on the expense of reduced engine power and increased emissions. One method of offsetting these disadvantages is by the addition of hydrogen gas up to 20% by volume to compressed natural gas (CNG) using the existing natural gas conversion systems. This offers major benefits in fuel economy, light load performance and lower emissions. The effect of supplementing CNG with hydrogen is studied along with the design of a simple hydrogen generation system for a 1.3 L bi-fuel engine. The Suzuki 1.3 L G13BA (SOHC) gasoline engine fitted with the Landi Renzo CNG pressure regulator, Type TN1 (Standard) has been used for experimentation. The system uses a small current for electrolysis of ordinary tap water for production of hydrogen. The light load performance is significantly enhanced and carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbon emissions are reduced. Constraints on system design have been duly accounted for and the complete system is placed under the hood of the vehicle.