Hydrogen or natural gas car conversion?

Question

is there any difference in the equipment required to convert a gas car to hydrogen as opposed to converting it to run on natural gas. with the exception of timing related components ie: ignition coil, and maybe the gas fittings?

Answer 1

The entire push for hydrogen is to create zero emissions, save pure water.  The methane molecules in natural gas are far more energetic, but less reactive while still creating carbon dioxide.  In the present time it is easier to store the more energetic methane due to its lower reactivity.



You wouldn't need to change much for a hydrogen converter.  Most hydrogen vehicles are fuel cells however, and I do not think there is a commercial H2 combustion engine yet.  Fuel cells have highly specific and expensive membranes generating the electric current, and these may differ from methane to hydrogen.

Answer 2

The proper brain equipment would tell you not to use fire.

Answer 3

In principal the same combustion reaction occurs - however...

The greatest barrier to hydrogen powered cars is ptobably refueling. If you use a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell where the hydrogen is stored in a metal hydride how do you recharge the metal hydride? If you decide to use hydrogen as a gas you would need an enormous specially lined (H2 molecules will simply pass through the walls of a normal tank) stainless steel tank to provide any range. If you decide to use hydrogen as fluid (ie cryogenic temps) how do you pump it?

Using a fuel cell is the way to go, but I am not sure if they have figured out how to recharge the fuel cell.