Another method of using hydrogen for energy is combustion. A hydrogen internal combustion engine works much like a traditional engine. The basic concept is that when a high energy fuel is ignited in an enclosed area; a large amount of energy is produced. The energy is released by the expansion of this enclosed area. This expansion moves a piston and rotates a crank shaft that ultimately powers the vehicle. In the case of the hydrogen combustion engine the fuel used is hydrogen instead of traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel. Since the fuel is hydrogen, the exhaust is also different. Unlike traditional fuels composed of long hydrocarbon chains, the hydrogen fuel is just pure hydrogen with no carbons to form carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.
Internal combustion engines are a known and proven technology. With a considerable history, the internal combustion engine has gained acceptance with consumers. Future adoption of hydrogen combustion engines will likely be faster than hydrogen fuel cell technology. This technology could also pave the way to develop a hydrogen infrastructure which could aid in the development of fuel cells vehicles.
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