Taking another step towards environmental protection, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved the adoption of H-CNG as an alternative fuel. The ministry has cleared that an absolute mixture of 18% hydrogen in CNG can be used for automotive purposes in CNG engines.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also revealed specs (IS 17314:2019) of Hydrogen enriched Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG) as a fuel. Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and Indian Oil Corp. Ltd (IOCL) has tested six CNG heavy-duty engines utilizing H-CNG (18% mixture) and found that the engine has passed the endurance tests. Also, they have recorded improvement in performance.
Benefits of using Hydrogen enriched CNG (H-CNG) as a fuel
- It needs only small storage for hydrogen and a column for mixing it with CNG at existing stations.
- The safety components for H-CNG are similar to the CNG.
- It is easy and safe to use than hydrogen only.
- It improves and speeds up the combustion process.
- H-CNG also improves fuel efficiency and thermal efficiency.
- HCNG decreases the unburned hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.
Disadvantages of HCNG
- Its storage and supply base is a big challenge.
- The performance of the system and material compatibility requires to be taken into consideration.
Also Read: MoRTH Has Extended Validity of Motor Vehicle Documents Till 31st December 2020
Author's Take
Hydrogen is a zero-emission fuel and it is highly flammable. Blending it with CNG will certainly improve the combustion process. This will result in a reduction in emissions and an increase in fuel efficiency. This is a commendable step towards green mobility. The government and research institutes of our country should also take steps towards increasing hydrogen blend in the future.
