GORD showcases the ECO-HYBRID CAR at COP18

Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), the authority for knowledge on sustainability in the MENA region unveiled an innovative low-emission, and lower fuel consumption of 20% hybrid car-concept on 28 November 2012. The concept was officially launched during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP18) at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Designed and developed in Qatar, the engine captures thermal waste energy that is utilized to generate electric energy to run hydrogen fuel cells using the potable water as a source for the gas.
The fuel cell is powered primarily by a thermoelectric generator which recovers heat from exhaust-gases and is aided by a thin film photo-voltaic on the sunroof. Preliminary studies have demonstrated decreased vehicle pollutant emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO) & nitrous oxide (NOX) by more than 50 %.
Dr. Yousef Al Horr, Chairman, GORD commented, “The hybrid concept that is fully designed, built and installed in Qatar, is a landmark achievement and testament to GORD’s alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. This indigenous product demonstrates Qatar’s capability to reduce environmental impact and to make a contribution to sustainable development. Through Qatar hosting the COP18 conference, we now have a global platform to communicate the practical benefits that GORD’s research and innovation is bringing to the national strategy in terms of improved quality of life and as a key driver of a knowledge-based economy.”
Any car can be adapted to accommodate the system as it doesn’t alter any electro-mechanical systems. As per initial test results, fuel consumption was reduced by more than 20%. Design improvements are underway to further reduce the fuel consumption.
Commenting on the differences between GORD’s eco-hybrid concept and other hydrogen-powered cars by leading automobile manufacturers, Dr Al Horr added, “Our car produces electricity at no cost by capturing thermal waste energy, reducing costs and eliminating the need for an external source of electricity. Also, bulky compressed-hydrogen cylinders are a thing of the past, as our concept accomplishes the production of hydrogen by using water through fuel cells integrated within the car.”
Led by one of GORD’S centres of excellence, GORD Institute, the concept has been designed by a team of experts. The project is part of a series of scientific research programs developed through established-partnerships with local and international organisations, from both academic and applied research perspectives.
The project will be a definitive milestone in reducing carbon emissions. Using a high-energy and zero-emission fuel such as hydrogen is an effective way for improving the performance of spark-ignited (SI) and compression- ignited (CI) engines. Produced by a unique electrolysis process, hydroxyl gas was tested as a supplementary fuel in a gasoline car, where spark timing influences the SI engine performance, without need for storage tanks. The system can be used with gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) based engines.