HERCULES "Hydrogen Emissions Reductant for CO2 and Ultra Low EmissionS"

This project builds upon the work previously carried out in the IDP4 CREO programme, where a concept of emissions and CO2 reductions using hydrogen was explored. This work demonstrated good reductions in HC and CO emissions when used with an oxidation catalyst, good NOx conversion using a special catalyst formulation, and significant fuel reduction during DPF regeneration. All of these features will allow OEM's to optimise the engines for fuel economy rather than emissions, often conflicting parameters.
Using energy recovered from the vehicle overrun to generate Hydrogen, the consortium seeks to develop an integrated system that can demonstrate an effective emissions control system based on the CREO findings.
This concept will be highly disruptive to the current emissions control strategies and has the capacity to provide an alternative means of NOx control whilst offering much better control of HC, CO and particulates. This technology could open the path for the next stage in emissions reduction beyond stage VI.