An alternative highly considered in recent times as a possible substitute for combustion engines for a more efficient form are those that run on hydrogen. Stored at high pressure in a tank, it can provide power to a fuel cell.
It can also function directly as a fuel, replacing gasoline or diesel. Hydrogen is characterized by having a higher energy density per unit of mass, and its combustion process produces water as the main byproduct, instead of harmful emissions like NOx gases.
Manufacturers in the automotive and aviation sectors are researching this method to verify if it is possible to extend the life of combustion engines. The future of zero-emission vehicles is not 100% defined, so technologies based on hydrogen may emerge as a possible opportunity to revive internal combustion engines.
## H2 Starfire: a revolutionary engine
An example of this reality is the H2 Starfire, a hydrogen engine still in the experimental stage created by the American company Astron Aerospace. According to the company, the H2 Starfire is more compact and lighter than other hydrogen models developed by other manufacturers.
In addition, it is a less polluting model with higher thermal efficiency compared to hydrogen engines and even the best gasoline engines available at the present time.
Gasoline models from well-known brands have a thermal efficiency ranging from 20 to 40%, while the H2 Starfire reaches 60% due to its innovative design that does not require a piston system and uses two shafts that rotate in opposite directions.
## Benefits and future of the H2 Starfire
It has dimensions of 29x32x44 cm and weighs 54 kg. Likewise, this component has the capacity to generate 400 hp and a torque of 678 Nm, surpassing the performance of many traditional components.
A crucial benefit is that it does not emit NOx (nitrogen oxides), as it maintains the combustion temperature below the threshold required for the development of these gases.
It is worth mentioning that conventional models operate at temperatures close to 1,300ºC, in contrast to the H2 Starfire which operates at lower temperatures, producing only water vapor and air as byproducts.
Once this engine successfully completes final tests and hits the market, it could become the most efficient combustion engine in history.
## High competition and efficiency
High competition, such as Formula 1, could be an efficient testing ground for this model when it is ready for commercialization. Formula 1 components have a thermal efficiency close to 50%, making them the most efficient. However, the brand ensures that the H2 Starfire surpasses this number, reaching 60%.
Astron Aerospace is confident that it is on the right path to participate in “the race for the best zero-emission engine”. In addition to offering impressive efficiency, this engine only leaves water as a byproduct, hence the mention that it “burns water instead of gasoline.”
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