Hydrogen engines based on liquid fuels, a reviewThe concept of storing hydrogen as part of a liquid fuel, such as gasoline or methanol, and subsequent onboard generation of the hydrogen from such liquids, is reviewed. Hydrogen generation processes, such as steam reforming, partial oxidation, and thermal decomposition are evaluated in terms of theoretical potential and practical limitations, and a summary is presented on the major experimental work on conversion of gasoline and methanol. Results of experiments indicate that onboard hydrogen generation from methanol is technically feasible and will yield substantial improvements in fuel economy and emissions, especially if methanol decomposition is brought about by the use of engine exhaust heat; e.g., a methanol decomposition reactor of 3.8 provides hydrogen-rich gas for a 4 cylinder engine (1.952), and 80% of the methanol is converted, engine exhaust gas being the only heat supply. A preliminary outline of the development of a methanol-based hydrogen engine and a straight hydrogen engine is presented.
Document ID
19810058506
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Houseman, J. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Voecks, G. E. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)