(July 5, 2017) HOUSTON — A U.S. Army demonstration shows considerable mileage improvements for a diesel truck using a proprietary hydrogen injection system. Commercial Hydrogen, Inc. of Houston, Texas, developed the system, which is designed to improve not only mileage, but air quality for diesel trucks.

The original demonstration took place at Fort Hood Army Garrison in Texas in February 2012.  The test vehicle was a 2000 FL80 Oil truck.  The hydrogen injection system was tested by a local CAT Army contract mechanic.

The initial installation and testing went well, according to Robert Kennedy, air program manager, DPW Environmental Division at Fort Hood. "The mileage testing achieved a 7.2 to 8.4 miles per gallon increase in mileage.  This is a 15.3 percent improvement in fuel economy," Hood said.

Commercial Hydrogen has developed the On-Demand Hydrogen Injection system which includes the use of retrofit kits dramatically improving mileage and maintenance costs.  As an additional benefit, air emissions are significantly improved, too.

Performance gains come from reducing fuel consumption and boosting the life-span of the engine and its vital components.  Commercial Hydrogen specializes in retrofitting commercial trucks.  The retrofit or "bolt-on" products are for 10-15L diesel engines manufactured from 1980 to the present.

According to Todd Fowler, CEO of Commercial Hydrogen, Inc., "Our products are at the leading edge within the existing billion-dollar industry. Our retrofits are paid for in less than one year, just in fuel savings alone," Fowler continues. "Operators are getting improved fuel economy in the 10% to 30% range.  Additionally, we are finding that air emissions are improving dramatically.  It's a total win-win."

This product addresses two important issues facing the trucking industry.  Due to increasing competition, profit margins are experiencing severe downward pressure.  On top of this, there is increased concern for environmental responsibility.

The implications to the military are significant.  An increase in mileage is important, not only as a cost savings, but provides increased operational range and efficiencies.  Additionally, anything that can improve air quality is an extra benefit.