H2NG-RICE0 - Hydrogen Natural Gas Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine Generator with near Zero emissions
Emission-mitigating and gas-fired power generation technology that can run efficiently on high blends of hydrogen
Enchanted Rock LLC
Recipient
Recipient Location
Senate District
13th
Assembly District
Active
Project Status
Project Update
This project has recently been executed and held its Kick-off meeting on June 24, 2024. The Recipient is currently working on hydrogen procurement to be used on the engine generator.
The Issue
H2-gas-fired generation systems can improve public health and safety, particularly the ways in which they are able to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and meet California’s air quality standards. While hydrogen holds great promise as an energy source and primary fuel for internal combustion engines (ICE) generators, challenges still exist when examining the adoption of hydrogen-blend technologies. One of these challenges is the increase of GHG and NOx emissions when blending hydrogen beyond 30 percent by volume with fossil gas, compared to using 100 percent fossil fuel as the base case. In addition, there is also a greater risk of engine knock. Engine knock occurs when the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber detonates prematurely, which can cause engine damage and decrease engine performance.
The problems associated with testing hydrogen blending have posed technical challenges that are costly and in need of closer examination to compete with incumbent technologies and move California closer to a clean hydrogen blending standard.
Project Innovation
The project will develop and demonstrate an emission-mitigating and gas-fired power generation technology that can run efficiently on high blends of hydrogen (H2) in the fuel stream while mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria pollutants such as NOx emissions.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
The project will provide clean-power generation technology that produces near zero carbon and low NOx emissions using high blends of hydrogen. The technology will provide backup power, reduce electricity costs, increase safety of hydrogen-blend use, and lower harmful emissions compared to current fossil-based power generation systems.
Environmental Sustainability
Reduced emissions: Hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel that produces zero carbon emissions when burned. By running Enchanted Rock generators with hydrogen, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprints and help to mitigate climate change.
Consumer Appeal
Improved Efficiency: Hydrogen is a highly efficient fuel that can help to improve the overall efficiency of Enchanted Rock generators. Hydrogen with a higher energy content can produce more power with less fuel.
Affordability
Lower Fuel Costs: While the initial investment in hydrogen fuel infrastructure can be significant, the cost of hydrogen fuel is expected to decrease in the coming years. By running Enchanted Rock generators with hydrogen, businesses can potentially reduce their fuel costs over time.
Reliability
Increased Resiliency: Hydrogen can be stored for long periods of time, making it a reliable backup fuel source for Enchanted Rock generators. In the event of a power outage or natural disaster, businesses can rely on hydrogen to provide backup power for critical operations.
Key Project Members
Lavanya Bhenderu
Mohammad Amin
Subrecipients
The Regents of the University of California on behalf of the Riverside campus
Match Partners
Enchanted Rock LLC
