Qatar unveils low-emission hybrid vehicle

By Pratap John/Chief Business Reporter

A Qatari research organisation has unveiled a low-emission and low-fuel-consumption hybrid car.

“Designed and developed in Qatar, the hybrid car engine captures thermal waste energy that is utilised to generate electric energy to run hydrogen fuel cells using the potable water as a source for the gas,” the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) said.

The hybrid car-concept provides for “low emission and lower fuel consumption” of up to 20%, said GORD.

The concept was formally introduced by GORD chairman Dr Yousef al-Horr on the sidelines of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP18) at the Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday.  

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 emissions such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide (NOX) by more than 50%, the organisation said.

Any car can be adapted to accommodate the system as it doesn’t alter electro-mechanical systems, according to GORD.  Preliminary test results showed fuel consumption was reduced by more than 20 %.

Design improvements are underway to further reduce fuel consumption.

Al-Horr said: “The hybrid concept that is fully designed in Qatar, is a landmark achievement and testament to GORD’s alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030. This indigenous product demonstrates Qatar’s capability to reduce harmful effects on the environment and make a contribution to sustainable development.

“Through the COP18 conference, we now have a global platform here in Qatar 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.”

On the differences between GORD’s eco-hybrid concept and other hydrogen-powered cars of leading automobile manufacturers, al- Horr said: “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.”

The concept has been developed by a team of experts led by Dr Esam Elsarrag, director (Research & Development) at the GORD Institute. The project is part of a series of scientific research programmes developed through established-partnerships with local and international organisations, from both academic and applied research disciplines.

Elsarrag said: “The project will be a milestone in the efforts at reducing carbon emissions. Using high-energy and zero-emission fuel such as hydrogen is an effective way for improving the performance of spark-ignited and compression-ignited engines. Produced by a unique electrolysis process, hydroxyl gas was tested as a supplementary fuel in a gasoline car, where spark timing influences the spark-ignited engine performance, without need for storage tanks.”

The system can be used either with gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) based engines.

GORD is a non-profit governmental research subsidiary of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company.