Fuel blend increases hydrogen use with few infrastructure changes

Concerns about air quality and dwindling fossil fuel supplies are driving the search for alternative fuels to power the nation's cars and trucks, our greatest energy consumers. Renewable hydrogen energy systems hold one potential answer to our energy needs. However, the massive cost of manufacturing hydrogen-powered vehicles and building a fueling infrastructure to support them hinders hydrogen development.

Recognizing that, Hydrogen Components, Inc., developed a fuel that may serve as a stepping stone to the hydrogen economy. The trademarked Hythane mixes a small amount of hydrogen into a fuel already used in many fleets—compressed natural gas. A blend of 15 percent hydrogen by volume with 85 percent natural gas amplifies the clean burning properties of CNG to reduce overall emissions up to 50 percent.

Any CNG-powered vehicle can be retuned to run on Hythane, and CNG filling stations can be fitted with a specially designed dispenser to pump the fuel blend. Several municipal fleets have participated in Hythane pilot projects, including the cities of Dallas, Montreal and Denver.