HyDrive Technologies announced a testing program to install its hydrogen production systems on 100 big rigs.
Read Press Release.
Under the program, each unit installed will be equipped with a PeopleNet(TM) system. This system is capable of tracking mileage to the tenth of a gallon and controlling the data for variables such as excess idle times, truck speed, and elevated RPM’s. Monitored results will provide the Company with a significant level of statistically verifiable field data on HGS performance and will complement other ongoing lab testing work as part of the previously announced overall product review. This should allow the Company to validate HGS product performance on various engine types, thus setting the stage for a larger product rollout strategy.
Hydrive Technologies is developing an on-board hydrogen production system to make the internal combustion engines on big trucks more efficient and cleaner. According to its website, the system creates hydrogen on-demand – no gases are stored on board. Apparently it stores only 1.8 L of water, but lasts for 4500 miles.
Apparently, it works fairly incrementally to improve efficiency:
When the HGS is connected, small amounts of injected hydrogen gas mix with the diesel charge. As hydrogen burns 10 times faster than diesel it has the effect of speeding up the combustion process. This allows the fuel to be burnt more efficiently at the top of the stroke, resulting in increased combustion efficiency, lower emissions and improved economy.
I’m not sure if this is a good idea or not. While if this process improves efficiency only a few percent, then it still might be a good investment for truck drivers (they’ll take any help they can get). But only a technology that makes a big improvement – say 30% – will really become a big hitter. Getting a 30% reduction in fuel economy from a box filled with water would be one of the biggest things to hit the trucking industry since…rubber tires. But these tests should show the real value of this device (if HyDrive’s money can hold out).
