The use of hydrogen to power internal combustion engines is not new, but it is for the Suzuki brand. Its mission is to find the alternative fuel that best suits its needs, based on the premise that it is a renewable energy source. So far, the brand has conducted tests with the Burgman model, using a hydrogen fuel cell system that converts hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor.
However, they have wanted to seek other methods and have come up with a new approach. This involves burning hydrogen gas directly inside an internal combustion engine. This new method provides them with the possibility of leveraging existing engine platforms, which would favor cost reduction and manufacturing. To carry out this automotive engineering project, Suzuki has allied with more companies in the sector such as Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki in a collaboration called HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology). Suzuki has opted for the use of hydrogen over fuel cells for several reasons.
Although these fuel cells do not produce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, hydrogen is much less costly. It seems that Suzuki has bet on practicality and the relationship between costs and effectiveness, but that will translate into longer charging wait times for users. The HySE union is a long-term project through which Suzuki aims to connect gasoline engine technology with the future of electric and clean energy. We will have to wait for the project to progress, as it is still in its initial phases.
Suzuki
Founded in 1909 by Michio Suzuki, Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational specialized in the manufacture of all-terrain vehicles, compact cars, motorcycles, engines, and any other products related to internal combustion. To date, the brand has focused on converting its products into clean and environmentally friendly ones, betting on hydrogen. It has centered on motorcycles, which, although already exist in the market, represent a new field for the Japanese brand. So far, Suzuki has been testing hydrogen cells in Burgman models, converting hydrogen into electricity to power a silent electric motor. However, it has decided to break away from that approach and opt for a completely different one.
Bet everything on hydrogen
Currently, it is betting on the development of a technology that involves burning directly inside an internal combustion engine, as if it were a gasoline engine. This has been carried out in the Burgman 400’s 400 cc single-cylinder engine. It is a process that is much less expensive than fuel cells, and it also allows for use with existing technology. According to the company, this makes the transition to this technological model more economically viable.
Hydrogen vs. fuel cells
One of the main characteristics of fuel cells is that they do not produce nitrogen emissions (NOx). However, Suzuki has opted for hydrogen due to the ease of its production, cost reduction, and the quick transition from one model to another. However, hydrogen ICEs are much less efficient, although so far Suzuki has not made comparisons. Perhaps this is reflected in the speed of refueling, and it might be a cost that consumers will bear.
Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology, HySE
To carry out this project, collaboration has been joined by companies like Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki, which are already working together on hydrogen-powered engines for smaller platforms such as motorcycles.This union of companies is called Small Mobility & Engine Technology, HySE. To date, the hydrogen-powered Burgman is in the early stages of development and is only a prototype. Motorcycle enthusiasts will have to wait for Suzuki to achieve its goal, which is to connect current technology with the imminent electric future.