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October 4, 2005

Hydrogen-Enhanced Combustion
A Promising Concept for Ultra-lean Homogeneous Combustion

Ultra-lean-burn combustion is viewed by many as a necessary next significant step in the evolution of the gasoline engine. However, emission constraints require that these engines operate under stoichiometric conditions to avoid costly emissions control solutions. The addition of small amounts of hydrogen to the cylinder charge can allow these types of engines to operate much leaner than they otherwise could, eliminating the need to treat NOx emissions altogether. While this is not a new idea, it is Arvin-Meritor's development of a compact and fast-response fuel reformer that is bringing this concept much closer to reality.

Author(s): Utz-Jens Beister; Rudy Smaling

Source: MTZ worldwide Edition No.: 2005-10

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