Bergen Engines, a Norwegian company, has announced that its supply of natural gas-powered machines is capable of operating on a mixture that includes 25 percent hydrogen. This new range is based on the commercialization of a 15 percent hydrogen blend, which made its appearance during 2022.
In an effort to make vehicles more energy efficient and environmentally cleaner, Bergen Engines completed field tests in 2023 carried out in Spain. The company claims to be the first manufacturer with a fully functional and tested machine operating on a 40 percent hydrogen blend.
Viscofan assisted in these tests. Studies carried out by the company show that hydrogen has some advantages when combined with natural gas. Hydrogen can be used as fuel in machines classified as "medium speed." It produces very low greenhouse gas emissions, as well as high performance and efficiency.
The completion of a machine running on 100 percent hydrogen fuel mix is expected to be in the last months of 2024. Different from many other countries, Norway is opting for a hydrogen internal combustion engine by injecting the gas directly into the cylinder.
The lost power is added to the useful power generated by the machine. This performance increases with increasing power, speed, and load requirements until it reaches its maximum values. It also does not require downstream catalytic converters to eliminate emissions.
One of the challenges in manufacturing this engine is its size and weight, as hydrogen requires a more robust structure and more tightly sealed joints to prevent accidental leaks.
In addition to developing machines that run on 100 percent hydrogen by volume, Norway is also considering the use of other alternative fuels, including ammonia and methane.
