DOE Awards Deal To Convert Small Engines to Run on Hydrogen

Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) announced that it was recently awarded a cost-shared contract by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to continue its work on small hydrogen internal combustion engines.

The estimated total cost of the project is approximately $1.7 million, with DOE providing $1.2 million toward the project. Under the contract, ECD Ovonics will develop a low-cost method toconvert small gasoline internal combustion engines (under 25 hp) to run on hydrogen fuel, while maintaining the performance and durability of the unmodified engines.

"This is a great opportunity for us to advance the work done to date onhydrogen-ICE fueled scooters and three-wheeled taxis, both of which use ourproprietary solid-state metal hydride storage systems on-board. We appreciate the DOE's support and look forward to our collaboration," says Stanford Ovshinsky, president and chief scientist and technologist of ECD Ovonics.

The Ovonic three-wheeled taxi developed under a cost-shared project with the US Agency for International Development has been demonstrated in the U.S. and in India. There is a significant potential market for reliable, low-cost engines with near zero emissions in stationary and mobile applications which include two- and three- wheeled vehicles, lawn and garden care equipment, and small back-upgenerator sets, the company says.