Nissan R&D makes ‘world first’ engine

Nissan is developing a ground-breaking new engine that makes its own electricity, is carbon-neutral and will give similar range to petrol power.

It claims a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) powered system teamed with bio-ethanol electric power is an automotive world first.

It features an e-Bio fuel cell with an SOFC power generator.

The SOFC uses the reaction of multiple fuels, including ethanol and natural gas, with oxygen to produce electricity with high efficiency.

The e-Bio fuel cell generates electricity through the SOFC (power generator) using bio-ethanol stored in the vehicle.

The e-Bio fuel cell utilises hydrogen transformed from fuel via a reformer and atmospheric oxygen, with the electrochemical reaction, and produces electricity to power the vehicle.

Unlike conventional systems, e-Bio fuel cell features SOFC as its power source, affording greater power efficiency to give the vehicle cruising ranges similar to petrol-powered cars – Nissan is talking more than 600km.

When power is generated in a fuel cell system, CO2 is usually emitted. With the bio-ethanol system, CO2 emissions are neutralised from the growing process of sugarcane making up the bio-fuel, allowing it to have a “Carbon-Neutral Cycle,” with nearly no CO2 increase.