In a major development, likely to have far reaching impact on the future of mobility, Japanese automakers Kawasaki Motors, Suzuki Motor Corporation (Suzuki), Honda Motor (Honda), and Yamaha Motor have jointly announced formation of a technological research association called HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology) for developing hydrogen-powered engines for small mobility.
The use of hydrogen poses technical challenges, including fast flame speed and a large region of ignition, which often result in unstable combustion, and the limited fuel tank capacity in case of use in small mobility vehicles.
In addressing these issues, the members of HySE are committed to conducting fundamental research, capitalising on their wealth of expertise and technologies in developing gasoline-powered engines, and aim to work together with the joint mission of establishing a design standard for small mobility's hydrogen-powered engine, and of advancing the fundamental research endeavours in this area, a statement by the companies stated.
As per the agreement, Honda will work upon the model-based development of hydrogen-powered engines, whereas Suzuki will commit to the element study on functionality, performance, and reliability of the hydrogen-powered engines. Similarly, hands-on research using real hydrogen-powered engines on their functionality, performance, and reliability will be done by Yamaha Motor and Kawasaki Motors.
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In addition, Yamaha will also study requirements for a hydrogen refuelling system and hydrogen tanks for small mobility, and Kawasaki Motors will be studying the auxiliary equipment required for a fuel supply system and tanks, and the equipment installed between the fuel tank and the injector.
Kenji Komatsu,Chairman nominee, HySE and Executive Officer of Technical Research & Development Center, Yamaha Motor said there are many challenges in the development of hydrogen-powered engines, but “we hope to see the association’s activities advance the fundamental research in order to meet those challenges”.
“We are committed to this endeavour with a sense of mission to preserve the use of internal combustion engines, which epitomise the long-time efforts that our predecessors have invested,” Komatsu was quoted as saying.