APPLICATION OF HYDROGEN AS AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL FOR PROPULSION SYSTEMS IN CITY BUSES OVERVIEW

Abstract

Engine Fuel can be dangerous if handled improperly. Gasoline and diesel are potentially dangerous fuels, but over time we are learned to use them safely. The same is true with liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas. The properties of hydrogen make it suitable as a fuel for vehicles powered with both, internal combustion engines and indirectly for electric engines inside of fuel cell propulsion systems, too. The global energy and environmental situations have intensified the use of alternative and clean fuels. This is reality in domain of city buses, taxis, delivery vehicles and personal cars. However, the problems associated with the production and storage of hydrogen currently limits the application of pure hydrogen as engine fuel in vehicles. This paper represents our designing proposition of a low-floor city bus for hydrogen power using an original propulsion system. The concept of gaseous hydrogen storage under high pressure is analyzed here. Hydrogen from the production plant to the vehicles engine, requires processing including external energy to make it suitable for the use as fuel. Usually, at a reciprocating compressor`s fueling station, the hydrogen is compressed and provided to vehicles, where it is stored as compressed gaseous hydrogen under pressure of about 35 MPa up to 70 MPa, according to the characteristics of used storage system. For application inside of low-floor city buses, hydrogen cylinders have to be installed on the roof for reasons of space. In addition, regarding to the lack of available information, the paper demonstrates an overview about safety regulations for vehicles with regard to the installation of specific components in hydrogen fuel line.