Automotive research body develops greener fuel engine for light vehicles

“CNG helps in reducing carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide,but reduction in emission of nitrogen oxide or NOX continues to be a challenge. If CNG is blended with hydrogen,it can result in NOX reduction by 45%-50%. The new engine has been developed to suit this blended fuel,” said Dr S S Thipse,senior assistant director (power train engineering),ARAI.

ARAI has developed the four-cylinder HCNG stoichometric engine for light commercial vehicles with 5,10,15,18 and 20 percent HCNG blends. The GOI-approved blend is 18% HCNG blends.

“The base is a CNG engine with modifications in the combustion chamber,cylinder head and so on to suit HCNG,” said Thipse.

The use of HCNG is more beneficial as fuel economy and power output of HCNG is superior in comparison with CNG. It is also the ultimate green fuel with reduced NOX emissions,which is not possible with CNG.

Despite these benefits,the cost of HCNG will be a deciding factor for its future use,said Thipse. The only HCNG station set up in Dwarka (New Delhi) is selling the fuel for Rs 35 per kg. “Ideally it should be Rs 5 or Rs 6 more than the CNG rate for its viability. However,it is up to the government to decide its cost once it is available at more outlets.”