igor Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=23844 FORD LAUNCHES PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES FOR DELIVERY TO CUSTOMERS A supercharged 6.8-liter V-10 engine will power Ford's E-450 hydrogen fueled shuttle buses. * Ford will be the first in the world to deliver a dedicated hydrogen internal combustion engine powered vehicle to commercial customers in E-450 shuttle buses later this year * Production of dedicated hydrogen fueled V-10 engines begins at Ford's Engine Manufacturing Development Operations in Dearborn Heights; engine tested to same production standards as other Ford engines. * Ford is the only automaker active in developing advanced gasoline hybrid-electric vehicles, hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles, clean diesel, ethanol and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles. DEARBORN Heights, Mich., July 17 - Ford today kicked off production of dedicated hydrogen fueled V-10 engines, making it the first automaker in the world to do so. “This engine represents a significant milestone in Ford's research efforts in hydrogen technology,†said Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research & Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company. “We have learned a great deal about hydrogen powered internal combustion engines during the development phase of this engine.†The supercharged 6.8-liter V-10 engine will power Ford's E-450 hydrogen fueled shuttle buses. The buses are scheduled to be delivered to fleet customers later this year, first in Florida and then in other locations across North America. Hydrogen internal combustion engine technology represents an important step toward enabling hydrogen to become a viable motor fuel. Ford's 6.8-liter V-10 engine is specially prepared to burn hydrogen as a fuel but is based on the same modular engine series that powers many Ford products Hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines have many advantages including high efficiency, all-weather capability, and near zero emissions of regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases (CO 2). They can also be easily hybridized for further gains in fuel efficiency. While the hydrogen internal combustion engine shuttle buses will provide valuable real-world experience, Ford is also conducting research into next generation hydrogen internal combustion engines, including features such as direct injection to enhance power and fuel economy. "We have only scratched the surface in terms of what can be achieved with hydrogen internal combustion engine technology and are serious about maintaining our edge in this field," said Vance Zanardelli, chief engineer, Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines, Ford Motor Company. Ford's hydrogen internal combustion engine is much more than just a converted production engine. This 6.8-liter V-10 engine is specially prepared to burn hydrogen as a fuel but is based on the same modular engine series that powers many Ford products. Significant efforts were made to optimize this engine for hydrogen fuel to achieve maximum efficiency and robust durability in the customer's hands. Prior to production, more than 7,000 hours of development and testing was performed on engine dynamometers to ensure optimum durability and performance when vehicles reach customers later this year. The engine development process replicated the same stringent durability standards applied to other Ford engines. Specialized components in the engine include: * Valves and valve seats – special hardened materials are used to compensate for hydrogen’s reduced lubricating properties compared to gasoline or natural gas * Spark plugs – Iridium tipped plugs allow for increased spark plug life * Ignition coils – high energy coil-on-plug coils, to manage unique ignition characteristics * Fuel injectors and fuel rail – Fuel injectors designed specifically for hydrogen and high volume fuel rails * Crank damper – tuned for hydrogen fuel to ensure smooth operation * Pistons, connecting rods and piston rings – high output designs to accommodate the higher combustion pressure of hydrogen combustion * Head gasket – accommodates increased combustion chamber pressures * Intake manifold – all-new to accommodate twin screw supercharger and water-to-air intercooler * Twin screw supercharger and water-to-air intercooler – added to improve power output and maximize efficiency * Engine oil – full-synthetic formulation developed in partnership with BP/Castrol optimized for hydrogen combustion properties Hydrogen Part of a Broader Effort Ford’s strategy for alternative fuels is built around multiple technologies, including hydrogen internal combustion engines. This flexible approach allows the company to meet goals for customer needs, environmental impact and shareholder interests. The strategy does not focus on one catch-all solution, but offers a flexible array of options, including hybrids, clean diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engine and transmission technologies and E85 ethanol. Ford’s first hydrogen internal combustion engine demonstration vehicle, released in 2001, was based on a lightweight aluminum sedan body, which also was used in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Subsequent projects included the Model U concept, first showcased at the 2003 North American International Auto Show, several Focus based demonstration vehicles, a V-6 powered tractor in use at Orlando International Airport as well as two hybridized transit buses. At the 2006 North American International Auto Show, Ford displayed the Super Chief Concept, which demonstrated Tri-Flex technology, which allows a vehicle to run on hydrogen, E-85 ethanol or gasoline. Ford partner Mazda recently delivered its RX-8 Hydrogen RE to its first two corporate customers. These vehicles, equipped with a rotary engine, feature a dual-fuel system that allows the driver to select either hydrogen or gasoline with the flick of a switch. Additionally, the company also has a fleet of 30 hydrogen powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The 30-car fleet has accumulated more than 240,000 miles since its inception. Ford also offers gasoline-electric hybrids including the Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The company will also offer hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan in 2008. Technical Specifications Type 6.8L SOHC V-10 Manufacturing Location Engine Manufacturing Development Operations, Beech Daly Technical Center, Dearborn Heights, Mich. Configuration 90-degree V-10, cast iron block and aluminum heads with hardened seats Intake Manifold Aluminum Supercharger 3.3L/rev, twin screw compressor Exhaust Manifold Cast stainless steel Crankshaft Forged steel Redline 5,000 rpm Throttle Body Twin 60 mm, electronic Valvetrain Hydraulic lash adjusters with roller followers, 2 valves per cylinder Valve Diameter Intake: 42.5 mm Exhaust: 34.0 mm Pistons High temperature forged aluminum alloy with low-friction coated skirts, ultra low oil consumption piston rings Connecting Rods Forged steel Ignition Coil -on Plug coils, 9.5 AMP, Iridium tipped spark plugs Bore x Stroke 3.55 x 4.16 in / 90.2 x 105.8 mm Displacement 415 cu in / 6,751 cc Compression Ratio 9.4:1 Horsepower 235 @ 4000 rpm Horsepower per Liter 34.5 Peak Boost 18-20 psi Torque 310 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm Recommended Fuel Hydrogen Fuel Injection Sequential multiport fuel injection Oil Capacity 6 quarts, with filter Recommended Oil Castrol Synthetic, 5W-20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubbedinenglish Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 (edited) :ninja: To play the devils advocate here if th have a hydrogen engine.....whats to say they don't have a gasoline version of this engine. Hmmm it seems a lot like the motor i the cobra concept with the S/C Edited July 18, 2006 by Dubbedinenglish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igor Posted July 18, 2006 Author Share Posted July 18, 2006 well Hx ICE are low emission options for fleets in locales with distribution and/or fleet owned distribution .... the buses will be hauling retirees in Florida... Hx ICE's are inefficient as they are, but are a much more accessible option ot fuel cells. Igor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluecon Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 well Hx ICE are low emission options for fleets in locales with distribution and/or fleet owned distribution .... the buses will be hauling retirees in Florida... Hx ICE's are inefficient as they are, but are a much more accessible option ot fuel cells. Igor It takes a lot of energy to make hydrogen. That is the whole point to thew fuel cell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_fairmont_wagon Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 I still marvel that this thing has an intercooled 3.3L blower on it, is a 6.8L V-10, and makes 310 lbs of torque peak. Is that because hydrogen has a rediculously poor btu content or because they are just very inefficient at extracting the power from it? I can't help but think that VCT might have helped the engine some, but, come on, they probably would have been more efficient in just using a 5.4L 3V gas engine with HLA instead. It would probably wind up using less fuel "equivalent" and would have provided more power anyway. Oh well, that's the cost of progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Is that because hydrogen has a rediculously poor btu content I think so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hydro Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 It does. We dilute our fuel gas at work with H2 when the BTU's climb too high from vaporizing Propane and such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_fairmont_wagon Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 Actually bothered to look it up, and while I don't have the actual figure in front of me, it was indicated that it is, for practical purposes, about half of what you'd get from an equivalent amount (and that seems to be a relatively debateable amount as well) of gasoline. No wonder it takes a blown V-10 to make 300+ lbs of torque. It almost makes me think that most any reasonable H2 vehicle would neccessarily have to be a hybrid to have decent launch torque. Kinda makes me want to look at fuel cells more... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
one2gamble Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 how could a 6.8L Supercharged V10 make so little power? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hydro Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 how could a 6.8L Supercharged V10 make so little power? See post 6, 7, 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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