Eco-Motive Dual Fuel Engine Reaches Prototype Phase

H-Engine-4_edited-1Back in 2014 we originally got in touch with inventor and power system engineer Herns Louis, his plans to embark on the development of a new engine were unlike any other concept we’d seen. Eco-Motive USA is Louis’ company and the patented H-Motor design is his brain child.

We checked back in with Louis in 2015 when a full-scale model brought things from the digital design realm into the real world. Now his ingenuity has taken form in actual metal.

HL216668_2The H-Motor design is comprised of two banks of four cylinders, each with it’s own rotating assemble and cylinder head. Instead of a conventional V8, the H-Motor is like two inline-4 engines that share a block but have individual crankshafts.

The concept between the H-Motor is rooted in a dual-fuel model that allows for operation on both conventional gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG). The goal of this model is significantly increased efficiency, low cost of manufacturing, and simplicity.

This system is not like a flex fuel system but rather is controlled by the operator at the flip of a switch. Individual fuel tanks contain gasoline, CNG, or both to fuel each bank of cylinders independently.H-motor-122914-1

“It’s exciting to see all of our research, development and engineering culminate into a full-scale prototype. In the coming weeks we’ll begin testing the prototype in real-world driving applications. I am confident that the technology we’ve engineered into the H-Motor will become an integral part of our automotive future,” Louis announced.

We had the opportunity to ask Mr. Louis a few questions about the engineering decisions he has made in designing his H-Motor. His responses pointed toward a serious future in testing and development.

What material choices did you make when it came to the construction of your prototype?

The full scale prototype will use an all aluminum-alloy engine block and cylinder head. The reason for the all aluminum is to address the weight problem with a cast-iron engine block construction.

Why did you choose to use an H-pattern cylinder arrangement rather than a conventional V or a horizontally-opposed engine?

The H-Pattern layout was chosen versus a V or horizontally opposed layout because it was easy to control how wide the H-Motor can be. Any other choice would have resulted in the engine being to wide.

H-Engine-1

What are your testing plans moving forward into 2017?

The plan for next year is test the H-Motor to obtain the most ecological and economical balance utilizing two different fuels (CNG and gasoline).

“The projected goal for the H-Motor is to provide efficiency of  operation and reduce operational cost of vehicle use and offer a unique and innovative Dual-Fuel solution,and yet with reliable performance and modest manufacturing cost.”

What were the biggest challenges you faced engineering this engine?

The two most challenging problems that we have faced, and over come developing the H-Motor include: (1) The radiator selection, and (2) the design of the cylinder bank selector unit which is a unique gearbox system design specially for the H-Motor.”

With all the OEMs moving to forced induction, smaller displacement engines in the name of efficiency do you plan to follow suit?

Yes a turbocharger is in the works for the H-Motor.

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About the author

Trevor Anderson

Trevor Anderson comes from an eclectic background of technical and creative disciplines. His first racing love can be found in the deserts of Baja California. In 2012 he won the SCORE Baja 1000 driving solo from Ensenada to La Paz in an aircooled VW. Trevor is engaged with hands-on skill sets such as fabrication and engine building, but also the theoretical discussion of design and technology. Trevor has a private pilot's license and is pursuing an MFA in fine art - specifically researching the aesthetics of machines, high performance materials and their social importance to enthusiast culture.
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