Deutz shows prototype hydrogen powerplant at bauma 2019

First published at bauma - April 10, 2019

Dr Markus Müller with the Deutz Hydrogen Engine

Deutz is showing two new engines as it moves rapidly towards a portfolio of fuels for its range of powerplants.

Chairman Dr Frank Hiller noted that all of the company’s diesels are already certified for bio-diesel fuel and that it is looking at multifuels, hydrogen and synthetic fuels as potential energy sources in coming years.

Deutz now incorporates electric drive specialist Torqeedo, which it acquired in 2017, a move that Hiller acknowledges allowed Deutz to jump five years forward in its own electrification plans.

“We see big possibilities for hydrogen, not fuel cells but burning it in engines,” he said, adding that Deutz was collaborating with an unnamed start-up company in Munich to advance its efforts in this area.

“Our firm conviction is that there will not be a single solution to all the applications and requirements. There will be a mix of different technologies, depending on applications.”

Modular systems will be important, he added. Hydrogen “will play a key role in the future”, agreed Dr Markus Müller, Deutz’s senior vice-president, product development & technical customer support.

Deutz is showing its G2.2 three-cylinder, gas-powered engine with water cooling. The electronically-controlled LPG system has extremely low emission levels, which comply with Europe’s Stage V standards.

The G2.2 produces up to 42kW, has a three-way catalytic converter and is scheduled to enter production this year. It is likely to be deployed on machinery such as forklifts.

Oher new powerplants on show include the in-development TCD 5.2, the first in-line diesel produced by Deutz without exhaust gas recirculation and with a high-efficiency selective catalytic reduction system to meet Stage V constraints. It will also be produced for Stage IV nations such as China and other regulated markets. The TCD 5.2 will provide up to 170kW.

Stand A4 327