Revolve - Alternative Fuel Technology

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Revolve - Alternative Fuel Technology

Revolve's mission is to promote fuel cells, hydrogen, biofuels and other sustainable transport technologies through high-profile events, to encourage acceptance of these technologies.

Hydrogen and fuel cells offer viable, practical and clean solutions to the carbon crisis, but enjoy limited public awareness in the UK.

After more than 100 years of development motor vehicle technology has almost reached a peak in the refinement and performance of the internal combustion engine, however the industry now faces a new challenge. Recognition of the harmful consequences of atmospheric emissions from traditional fuels, declining oil reserves and concerns over energy security pressurise us to develop alternative fuels to those of conventional petrol and diesel-engined cars.

A range of interim technologies has entered the race to succeed the combustion engine, though with limited impact. The majority, such as biofuel, LPG and natural gas engines, perform reasonably and are considerably cleaner, but continue to produce CO2 and still face the underlying issue of finite stocks. Battery-only electric vehicles offer 'some' of the performance characteristics required, but they simply do not have acceptable range for today's demands, and one could argue a limited fuel source. Combustion engine-hybrids offer an important interim solution to fuel economy, but ultimately they still face the limited fuel stock issue. Hydrogen-fuelled automotive technology offers genuine solutions to these issues and is indisputably the successor technology of choice for the principal motor manufacturers and major fuel supply companies. Hydrogen is a clean fuel and the most abundant element in the universe, without any apparent depletion issues. When it is simply burnt it is significantly cleaner than hydrocarbon fuels, but it really proves its worth when combined with fuel cell technology, where the silent and highly efficient conversion of hydrogen and oxygen to pure water and electricity takes place at twice the efficiency of combustion engines.

In the interim, several manufacturers view hydrogen fuelled internal combustion engines and hydrogen combustion engine hybrids as intermediate stepping stones towards fuel cell cars.

For example, since 2004 selected fleet customers have been testing Ford Focus FCVs in their car pools in the United States, Canada and Europe. Within the decade the principal motor manufacturers will have hydrogen-powered vehicles on sale in showrooms.

For more information about Revolve and Hydrogen Fuel Cells, visit www.revolve.ws

You can also see our fantastic model 'H Racer' model racing car that is powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cells.