The company says that when running over an eight-hour construction shift, the 50 kW genset will use around 15-20kgs of hydrogen, depending on the average load. It will emit zero emissions from an air quality perspective, without any after treatment, and depending on the source of hydrogen, will save up to 640g/kWh CO2 against a diesel-powered comparator. When tested under the Type D2 ISO 8178 generator set engine standard, it demonstrates class leading thermal efficiency from the engine of up to 45%, the company adds.
The work builds on the results delivered recently by ULEMCo’s R&D partner, Revolve Technologies, on 100% hydrogen engines.
Says Revolve Technologies engineering director Paul Turner: “Our initial work showed how an engine can be adapted to run on 100% hydrogen with zero emissions, and we were delighted to see the impressive overall efficiency results attained. Using hydrogen in this genset application instead of other zero emission alternatives like batteries, eliminates equipment down time for re-charging, and requires very little change of behaviour for the operators that would normally use diesel fuel. We believe that our prototype will gain significant interest from the industry.”
Adds ULEMCo MD Amanda Lyne: “This latest product represents a further opportunity for hydrogen fuel to make a real difference in reducing harmful emissions, and to support initiatives such as the new London ULEZ to improve air quality. Our experience with commercial van fleets and trucks has given us valuable insights that have transferred to this first genset model.”
ULEMCo plans to have a production ready genset available in the Autumn, and to have a prototype available for potential customers to trial in the next few months.
