Nov 9 2006
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 to convert 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 on hydrogen-ICE fueled scooters and three-wheeled taxis, both of which use our proprietary solid-state metal hydride storage systems on-board. We appreciate the DOE’s support and look forward to our collaboration,” Stanford R. Ovshinsky, President and Chief Scientist and Technologist of ECD Ovonics said.
The Ovonic three-wheeled taxi developed under a cost-shared project with the USAID has been demonstrated in the US 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-up generator sets.