Hydrogen-powered automobiles are already right here. Inner combustion hydrogen engines are being utilized in industrial functions in Europe, whereas quite a few automakers globally have patents for hydrogen engines for each industrial and efficiency functions. Identical to gasoline or diesel mills, air is combined with gas to make horsepower. And Cummins already has a particular turbocharger to force-feed these new engines, referred to as the CCS H2 ICE.

It is a variable geometry turbo designed to “meet the distinctive necessities of hydrogen engines,” in response to Cummins. The precise particulars of the design aren’t shared, although it is stated to include a bespoke aerodynamic design that caters greatest to hydrogen, which has a decrease density in comparison with gasoline or diesel. A by-product of burning hydrogen is water, and being a turbocharger, it is pushed by the engine’s exhaust system. As such, the turbo can be designed to deal with that water each by way of energy manufacturing and longevity.

In Europe, hydrogen combustion engines have zero-emission standing so these engines adjust to strict new Euro VII laws. The brand new Cummins turbo maintains this compliance for on-road freeway use.

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Up to now, the one turbocharged hydrogen functions are for industrial automobiles akin to vehicles. However, with corporations like Ferrari patenting hydrogen engine designs, it might solely be a matter of time earlier than we see large turbos boosting high-powered hydrogen supercars.

The massive drawback proper now could be infrastructure. Hydrogen is notoriously troublesome to move and retailer in comparison with fossil fuels. Specialised high-pressure tanks and pipelines are required, and refueling additionally requires particular connections that go far past a fundamental gasoline pump. There’s additionally the volatility side, although hydrogen is much less explosive than gasoline in an air-fuel combination.

Cummins would not point out a precise timeframe for when the brand new turbo might be obtainable.