Hydrogen has the potential to power internal combustion engines (ICEs), including on-road and off-road vehicles and equipment, and large marine engines. Despite its promise to reduce climate change emissions such as carbon dioxide and harmful pollutants, hydrogen has largely remained underused in the U.S.
Officials at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), the University of Michigan, and several industry partners are working to change that with the launch of the Hydrogen Engine Alliance of North America (H2EA-NA). The alliance will promote hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel that can complement ICE vehicles while supporting the transition to electric and other zero emission technologies.
鈥淥ur goal is to leverage hydrogen as a low-carbon solution that can enhance the performance and sustainability of internal combustion engines,鈥� said Georgios Karavalakis, co-director of H2EA-NA and professor of chemical and environmental engineering at UCR. 鈥淗ydrogen-powered ICEs can provide a long-term, reliable solution, particularly for applications where battery electric or fuel cell vehicles may not meet consumer performance requirements.鈥�
A recent demonstration by Southwest Research Institute of hydrogen ICE technology in a heavy-duty truck showed ultra-low emissions of nitrogen oxides, or NOx, which react in the atmosphere with other pollutants to form lung irritating ozone. The NOx levels were far below those achievable with conventional diesel-powered trucks. This reinforces the potential for hydrogen to help achieve meaningful reductions in transportation-related emissions.
Karavalakis and Wayne Miller, also a professor of chemical and environmental engineering at UCR, will serve as co-directors of H2EA-NA. Karavalakis brings expertise in combustion engines, low- and zero-carbon fuels, and transportation emissions. Miller, a specialist in zero-carbon fuels, transportation emissions, and marine systems, played a critical role in the alliance鈥檚 formation.
鈥淗ydrogen combustion engines are a critical component of the clean energy transition, offering a practical solution for sectors where electrification is not yet feasible,鈥� Miller said.Andr茅 Boehman, a University of Michigan professor of mechanical engineering, will also join them as a co-director. Boehman鈥檚 research focuses on alternative fuels, fuel production, and energy conversion system thermodynamics.