Hydrogen powered

Engineering scientists partner with industry to develop new hydrogen engine

USC's College of Engineering and Information Technology is discussing plans with two industrial partners, German-based Siemens and XRDi of Beaufort, to develop hydrogen-powered engines for vehicles that currently rely on diesel power. The project will focus on designing, testing, and manufacturing diesel-style engines that run on hydrogen instead of diesel fuel.

"The diesel engine has a long history of use in industrial, automotive, and marine applications and is considered the work-horse in many industries," said Abdel Bayoumi, chair of mechanical engineering. "As price and demand for fossil fuels increases, the need for alternative energy sources is becoming more important."

The time line for production of a hydrogen-fuel injected engine is projected to be five to 10 years.

"Bringing diesel engines and hydrogen together would solve many of society's current energy problems," said USC President Andrew A. Sorensen. "Doing this in South Carolina will have a positive and immediate impact on our state's economic development."

The Horizon Center (detail above), part of USC's research campus initiative known as Innovista, will be home to research involving hydrogen storage and fuel cells.