The decarbonization of transport is reaching almost all modes, but which do you think is still polluting in large quantities? One of them is space rockets, and another one is airplanes, but there is still one “untouchable”. A legendary brand, which is neither Toyota nor Yamaha, has just smashed the conventional hydrogen engine with an alternative that experts have described as revolutionary. The idea seems simple, but there is a lot of innovation behind it to make it work in the environment for which it has been developed.
This new engine is neither German nor Japanese: This legendary brand has developed it
Yanmar Power Technology (YPT), a company under Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. had already started working on the project to produce a hydrogen-fueled 4-stroke high-speed engine for power generation in coastal vessels. This is under the Nippon Foundation’s zero-emission ship demonstration experiment, which seeks to transform the maritime space by endorsing cleaner propulsion systems.
The current hydrogen engine being in the process of being developed by Yanmar is a four-stroke high RPM and is intended for coastal power applications such as in power generation. Hydrogen is used as fuel, the major advantage over other fuels being that it does not produce any CO2 emissions on combustion. It is therefore in line with the emerging market need for green maritime option.
YPT is pursuing two main engine configurations:
- A pilot ignition engine using small amount of pilot biofuel and hydrogen additives.
- A spark ignition hydrogen only engine.
How was the first Yanmar hydrogen engine developed? From the prototype to the end of conventional HICEs
The development process involves a series of carefully planned stages:
- Onshore verification tests that are set to commence in 2024 involves the 6-cylinder hydrogen engine that features with pilot ignition.
- Some of the verification operations to be done in the year 2026 include.
- Parallel onshore verification tests of spark ignition hydrogen-only engine.
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The hydrogen engine project of Yanmar is not an isolated project, and it has to compete with several projects. The company is part of a broader consortium working on the Zero-Emission Ship Project, which includes:
- Uyeno TransTech Co., Ltd. responsible for development and constructions of the vessels.
- Kyoto University.
- Fukuoka Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
- Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
- Mirai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Furthermore, in 2021 Yanmar Power Technology launched a consortium with Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Engine Corporation for being the Japanese engine makers. Also, this group plans to collaboratively design and produce hydrogen-fueled marine engines for seagoing and coastal boats with the goal of being at the forefront of the new generation of hydrogen engines
From ammonia to methanol or biofuels: Beyond the hydrogen engine for maritime transportation
While Yanmar’s focus on hydrogen is significant, it’s part of a broader landscape of alternative fuels being explored for maritime decarbonization:
- Ammonia: Ammonia is another advice of zero-carbon fuel that can be utilized in combustion engines and fuel cells.
- Methanol: Currently, the application of methanol is yet still in progress in some vessels as it is more environmental-friendly with fewer emission levels, and the compound can be synthesized from renewable resources.
- Biofuels: Biofuels which are sourced from feed stocks that are renewable can offer an exact substitute for conventional marine fuels.
- Battery-electric: Applicable for short distance boats, all-electric power is slowly being used on vessels such as ferries and shallow-sea transport.
- Nuclear propulsion: Similarly, small modular reactors remain under discussion for long-range, non-emitting maritime transport, even if it is a contentious topic right now.
This is the first Yanmar hydrogen engine, which is set to revolutionize mobility by sea, responsible for the vast majority of freight transport. However, it is not the only brand that is developing innovative alternatives, as Riviera and Wärtsilä are doing, albeit with ammonia. Efficiency is undoubtedly the most powerful aspect of this new prototype, which has the experts in awe of its future commercialization (in a good way, of course).
