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AntiSmog is our hydrogen-based vehicle optimisation service to assist fleet owners and transport managers through the net-zero emissions transformation.
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Reduce emissions

Air pollution from combustion engines is a significant cause of human diseases, suffering, and premature deaths.

Reduce fuel consumption

Our case study showed fuel consumption savings of 5-10% savings on fuel consumption.

Reduce unscheduled maintenance

Preventive maintenance offers a reduced rate of equipment failures and improved health and safety of employees.
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Case Study
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Hydrogen Cleaning

Hydrogen cleaning of diesel vehicles is a process where hydrogen gas is used to clean the fuel injection system, combustion chamber, and exhaust system of diesel vehicles. This process is used to improve the performance and fuel efficiency of diesel engines and reduce emissions of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).

The process works by injecting hydrogen gas into the intake manifold of the engine, where it is mixed with diesel fuel. The hydrogen reacts with the carbon deposits and other contaminants, breaking them into smaller, less harmful molecules. This cleaning process can improve the efficiency of the fuel injection system and combustion process, resulting in better engine performance and fuel economy.

Hydrogen cleaning can also reduce emissions of harmful pollutants such as NOx and PM. The hydrogen reacts with the nitrogen in the engine, breaking it down into harmless nitrogen and water vapour. This can significantly reduce the emissions of NOx, which are a major contributor to air pollution.

The process is usually done using a portable hydrogen generator that can be connected to the vehicle's intake manifold. The process can take around 30 minutes to an hour depending on the condition of the engine.

It's worth noting that hydrogen cleaning is not a substitute for regular maintenance and service of the vehicle, and it's not a solution for all the issues a diesel engine may have. Some vehicles may require more extensive repairs or replacement parts, as some issues may not be solved by hydrogen cleaning.

AntiSmog Case Study Overview

From May to December 2021, in collaboration with the management of the Municipal Technical Centre (CTM), a fleet of 5 municipal vehicles was subjected to a periodic preventive maintenance routine with the hydrogen premix. The quantitative results confirmed the reduction in emissions of 323kg of CO2 over the duration of the project, which is equivalent to the planting of 16 trees.

Other quantitative outcomes measured:

  • Reduced fuel consumption by 7%;
  • This fuel economy is equivalent to 262 litres of fuel, i.e. the saving of €419;
  • Reduced NOx emissions by 29%;
  • Reduction of smoke emissions (opacity) by 20%;

In addition, some qualitative benefits of the project were recorded:

  • Unclogging of the Diesel Particle Filter (DPF), preventing repairs for an amount of €1,000 - €2,000, and immobilisation of the vehicle for several days;
  • For one of the vehicles, Ford Transit, a forced regeneration of the DPF was carried out, with hydrogen, which unblocked the filter and made the vehicle usable again;
  • Unblocking the EGR valve, preventing repairs for an amount of €1000-€2000, and immobilisation of the vehicle for several days;
  • More reliable engines, with less pollution, improving the overall level of CTM's health and safety conditions;
  • Hydrogen premix treatment avoids the risks to personnel and the environment associated with the use of aggressive chemical alternatives;

In summary, the 8-month project demonstrated the potential of hydrogen premix technology to reduce emissions from the municipal vehicle fleet, including CO2, NOx, and particulate matter.

The reduction in the CO2 footprint is equivalent to the planting of 16 trees, for the test fleet of five vehicles. If hydrogen premix technology is adopted, the annual reduction in CO2 footprint will be equal to the planting of 383 trees.

The project demonstrated the fuel economy achieved for the test fleet at 7%. The adoption of hydrogen premix technology will result in annual savings of €17900, not counting maintenance savings (such as eliminating problems with DPF and EGR valve).

The concept of preventive maintenance offers additional "qualitative" benefits, such as a reduced rate of equipment failures and improved health and safety of employees.

The periodic preventive maintenance methodology, using the hydrogen descaling process, was tested. Five vehicles in the fleet were carbon-cleaned with hydrogen for the period of May to December 2021. The carbon-cleaning process was deployed in three phases, evenly spaced during the test period. Between treatments, the vehicles were operating normally, as part of the normal routine.

Emissions have been reduced by an average of 23% (by 20% in particulate matter emissions and by 29% in NOx emissions).

In addition to the measured parameters, other characteristics were recorded. For example, the unblocking of the EGR valve or the reduction of back pressure in the filter (DPF) was recorded with the OBD-II diagnostic tool. These comments reflect small operational improvements to the five-vehicle fleet.

Based on the above information, it is shown that the preventive maintenance routine using the hydrogen descaling process has an overall positive effect on the reduction of emissions and the economic operation of the fleet.