Unlocking a promising future
The developments in renewable fuels provide exciting new possibilities for the future of the internal combustion engine. NPS Driven is fully committed to the energy ecosystem of the 21st century, in which hydrogen and methanol will play an important role.
NPS Driven is involved in the government-subsidized Green Transport Delta-Hydrogen (GTD-H) project. This project started in 2021 by a consortium of 20 companies, with the main objective to develop three hydrogen technologies: hydrogen combustion engines, fuel cell technology and hydrogen tank infrastructure. These developments are related to cross-sector mobility applications for automotive, marine and non-road machinery. Within this project, NPS Driven has taken the leadership role in developing a hydrogen combustion engine based on a traditional diesel engine.
NPS Driven also participates in another government-subsidized initiative, Brandt Schoon, which is led by HAN University of Applied Sciences. The goal of this project is to develop a dual-fuel combustion engine capable of running on methanol with diesel pilot injection.
Developing a hydrogen combustion engine
Hydrogen has wide flammability limits allowing for power control by adjusting fuel injection. Its high diffusion rate ensures a homogeneous air-fuel mixture. This mixture needs a spark to initiate combustion after fuel injection requiring the addition of ignition coils. Computer technology ensures this accuracy of precisely dosed hydrogen in gaseous form. Because hydrogen requires a lower compression ratio, the pistons are redesigned. To accommodate the new components the valve cover was adjusted and a fuel rail added. Together with the dedicated ECU and wiring loom this results in a complete conversion system.
Although hydrogen is a flammable gas, it’s also very lightweight. This means it disperses very fast in case of a leak, which makes it safer to work with than heavier gases like LPG.
The NPS Driven hydrogen combustion engine has undergone an extensive program of laboratory testing at TNO’s PTC facilities in Helmond. A second prototype has been built for field testing, set to begin in 2025. The development is focused on a fixed speed engine for a genset application. These gensets can provide electricity at places where no grid connection is available. Possible usages for this application will be to charge large battery packs for example at building sites.
NPS Driven expects to have the hydrogen engine ready for sale by the end of 2025 as an alternative for conventional engines in generators.
Brandt Schoon methanol project
The main goal of this project, started in April 2024, is to create a reliable application of methanol for inland shipping applications. It will study both direct and indirect methanol injection. Using these techniques, the aim is to explore whether conventional engines can be converted into Stage V engines with reduced nitrogen and CO2 emissions.
The direct and indirect injection techniques each hold their own challenges. Indirect injection for example requires exhaust gas aftertreatment, while the direct injection concept still needs to be developed.
The project is still in the early stages, but during a preliminary study in which a Stage V engine was tested, several results have emerged that are useful key factors for this project:
- 30% to 75% reduction in NOx
- Negligible amounts of hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO)
- Reduction in particulate matter (PM)
- Efficiency loss limited to approximately +/- 1.5%
The availability of renewable fuels
Both hydrogen and methanol can only be considered renewable if produced in a sustainable way. These production methods are still expensive, which is why availability in large quantities is challenging. However, ongoing research and development and increased demand will drive the production costs down and will eventually result in a viable economic alternative to fossil fuels. This way, the role of renewable fuels in the global energy transition will continue to grow.
Both hydrogen and methanol hold significant promise as part of the global shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy solution. Innovations in this field are in the spotlight worldwide, and NPS Driven is determined to remain firmly at the forefront.
Renewable fuels are essential for a more sustainable future.
“At NPS Driven, we believe in progress and innovation, especially when it comes to making our industry more sustainable. Renewable fuels play a crucial role in this. We promote energy independence and support sustainability of the industrial and transport sector. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with alternative fuels. While their use often results in lower harmful emissions, the reality remains: their foundation is fossil-based. Hydrogen is different; its production can be entirely free of fossil components. This makes hydrogen unique. It is a solution that not only meets current regulations but is also prepared for future standards. At NPS Driven, we are dedicated to making these innovative technologies accessible to our customers, supporting them choose environmentally friendly solutions without compromising on performance.”
