Cummins tests hydrogen engine

Engine and power products manufacturer Cummins is testing a new hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine.

The company said the proof-of-concept work is another step on the road to advancing gaseous-fuel applications and zero carbon technology.

The current tests will be followed by the engine being evaluated within both on- and off-highway applications.

Cummins said hydrogen engines offered numerous benefits for OEMs and equipment owners and operators, including the ability to use familiar mechanical drivelines and the potential for equipment integration to mirror that of current powertrains.

Cummins currently manufactures electrolysers to separate the hydrogen from water. The subsequently created green hydrogen fuel can be used in the new engine, producing near zero CO2 exhaust emissions and near zero levels of NOx.

A Cummins electrolyser, splitting water into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen

The company’s work with hydrogen also includes the manufacture of fuel cells and storage solutions, Cummins’ joint venture partnership with hydrogen storage specialist NPROXX adding the ability to integrate the fuel cell or hydrogen engine with the equipment’s high-pressure gas cylinder tanks and supply lines.

Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of the Engine Segment at Cummins, said the company was “thrilled about the potential of the hydrogen engine to reduce emissions” while providing “power and performance for customers.”

He added, “We are using all new engine platforms equipped with the latest technologies to improve power density, reduce friction and improve thermal efficiency, allowing us to avoid the typical performance limitations and efficiency compromises associated with converting diesel or natural gas engines over to hydrogen fuel. We have made significant technological advancements and will continue moving forward. We are optimistic about bringing this solution to market.”