The FlexDI technology of Orbital was selected as blueprint for the new FlexFuel engines that Sygma Motors is currently developing. The technology application will begin with an engine testing and development program which is worth around US$1.1 million.

Included in these engineering programs is the development of a spark-ignited ethanol combustion system. This spark-ignited ethanol combustion system is pegged to be used during the team-up’s public demonstration. The ethanol combustion system is also targeted to replace the existing diesel application systems being used now.

The three companies are also set to collaborate on flex-fuel OEs and other retrofit applications for commercial vehicles with either diesel-pilot ignition for Ethanol and CNG fuels, or spark-ignition FlexDI.

Orbital’s new FlexDI system gives car manufacturers the potential to develop a wider range of engines which run on ethanol, gasoline, hydrogen, Natural Gas / CNG, and SI-heavy-fueled variants. It is also possible for Orbital’s FlexDI engine to be configured for Tri-Fuel and Bi-fuel operations in the future.

FlexDI’s technology, according to its manufacturers, is driven towards the promotion of alternative fuels which give lower levels of CO2 emission. The company’s technology is strongly pro-environment, focusing on clean energy production to beat the greenhouse effect. These new breed of FlexDI engines are also projected to be cost efficient.

The performance of the Honda FC Sport aims to please car enthusiasts through a world far from petroleum. According to manufacturers, it is called a sports car because it is designed to run like one in the near hydrogen auto world of the future.

The V Flow fuel cell technology of Honda is being maximized by coupling it with a very lightweight sports car that has excellent aerodynamics, powerful engine, and no emissions at all.

The Honda FC Sport is engineered to be very efficient on the road. The rear seats house the fuel cell stack while the battery pack is located ideally in the low middle portion of the car. The electric motor is positioned slightly in front of the rear axle. Fuel storage tanks are also built above the rear axle.

The super car look of the Honda FC is quite deceiving because unlike the usual sporty cars, this hydrogen powered car can accommodate three passengers.

The driver is positioned in a racing like manner in the center. The cockpit is easily accessed with the canopies designed to open upwards from the back portion. Two passenger seats are available slightly behind the left and right side of the driver’s seat.

The research and development division spearheaded by the Advanced Design Studio of Honda came up with the design for the FC Sports.

There are several advantages for this method of using hydrogen. One is that it is pollution free. When a petroleum derivative like petrol or diesel oil is used the vehicle emits dangerous gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Both these gases are injurious to the health of the human race itself. In the long run the atmosphere will be filled with unmanageable quantity of carbon dioxide. The carbon monoxide is soon converted into carbon dioxide drawing additional oxygen from the atmosphere. If inhaled directly, carbon monoxide can be lethal.

Another advantage is that when the technology is fully developed dependence on fossil fuel can be eliminated. The reserves of petroleum all over the world are fast depleting, and we’re in urgent need of alternative car fuels. Sometime earlier it was believed that the reserves will be exhausted in the next forty years. But now it is said that petroleum production will peak in the next ten to twenty years. It will not take much time to finish off after that.

Even though some manufacturers of cars and two wheelers in the US and Japan have started using this technology, much more research is required to bring such vehicles into common use.