Abstract |
Laboratory experiments have demostrated hydrogen not only to be an excellent substitute for conventional hydrocarbon fuels in internal combustion engines but also to have the inherent qualities necessary for a permanent solution to the air pollution problem. This conclusion was reached after extensive tests were conducted with an air-cooled single-cylinder gasoline engine converted to run on hydrogen. The engine's operational characteristics compared favorable with those of its gasoline counterpart. Furthermore, the NOX content of the exhaust was an order of magnitude lower than that expected from a gasoline engine. Trace amounts of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon oxides, also present, originated from the lubricating oil. It was concluded from these experiments that a multi-cylinder automotive engine converted to run on hydrogen should be able to meet the 1975/76 Federal Emission Standards. (Author) |