For fleet operators, managing fuel costs is one of the most critical aspects of maintaining a profitable business. Diesel engines are the backbone of the transportation, logistics, and industrial sectors, but their fuel consumption can be a significant drain on operational budgets. With fluctuating fuel prices and increased pressure to reduce emissions, fleet managers are constantly searching for ways to improve efficiency and cut costs.

Diesel-Hydrogen Assist Technology (D-HAT™) offers an innovative solution that delivers measurable fuel savings. By introducing hydrogen into the diesel combustion process, D-HAT™ improves combustion efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and enhances overall engine performance. In this post, we’ll explore how D-HAT™ works and how it can help fleet operators reduce diesel costs by up to 10%, boosting profitability and sustainability.

The High Cost of Fuel for Fleet Operators

Fuel expenses typically represent the largest portion of a fleet’s operating costs, often accounting for as much as 40% of total expenditures. Whether running long-haul trucks, heavy equipment, or industrial generators, diesel fuel consumption can quickly add up. Small improvements in fuel efficiency can lead to significant cost savings, especially for larger fleets.

Several factors contribute to the high fuel consumption of diesel engines:

• Incomplete combustion: Diesel engines are known for their durability and torque, but they typically only burn around 70% of the fuel injected into the combustion chamber. The remaining 30% is either wasted or contributes to carbon buildup in the engine.
• Heavy-duty applications: Diesel engines power vehicles and equipment that carry heavy loads, which requires more energy and fuel to maintain performance.
• Inefficiency at low speeds: In stop-and-go traffic or when operating at lower speeds, diesel engines tend to be less fuel-efficient, leading to higher fuel consumption per mile.

With D-HAT™, fleet operators have a powerful tool to tackle these challenges head-on and achieve significant fuel savings.

How D-HAT™ Reduces Fuel Consumption

Diesel-Hydrogen Assist Technology (D-HAT™) improves diesel engine performance by injecting hydrogen into the engine’s air intake system. Hydrogen, a fast-burning fuel, enhances the combustion process and helps the diesel burn more efficiently. The result is a more complete combustion cycle that uses less diesel to produce the same amount of power, leading to reduced fuel consumption.

Here’s how D-HAT™ works to achieve fuel savings:

1. Hydrogen-Enhanced Combustion

At the core of D-HAT™ is its ability to improve the combustion process in diesel engines. The system generates hydrogen gas through an onboard electrolysis process, using steam distilled water and electricity from the engine’s alternator. This hydrogen is injected into the engine’s air intake, mixing with the diesel fuel to create a more efficient combustion event.

• Faster fuel burn: Hydrogen burns about 10 times faster than diesel, which helps ignite the diesel fuel more completely. This faster, more complete burn pushes the engine’s pistons down with greater force, increasing the engine’s torque and power output without the need for additional diesel fuel.
• Up to 93% combustion efficiency: Traditional diesel engines operate with about 70% combustion efficiency, meaning a significant portion of the fuel remains unburned. D-HAT™ increases combustion efficiency to as high as 93%, extracting more energy from each gallon of diesel.

With more of the fuel being burned, less diesel is wasted, directly reducing fuel consumption.

2. Increased Fuel Economy

By improving combustion efficiency, D-HAT™ helps diesel engines use less fuel to achieve the same level of performance. In practical terms, fleet operators can expect fuel savings of up to 10%. For companies that rely on diesel-powered vehicles or equipment, this can translate into substantial cost reductions over time.

For example, a fleet of 100 trucks that each travel 100,000 miles per year at an average fuel economy of 6 miles per gallon would typically consume about 1.67 million gallons of diesel annually. With D-HAT™ reducing fuel consumption by 10%, that fleet would save approximately 167,000 gallons of diesel each year. At a diesel price of $4 per gallon, this equates to a savings of $668,000 annually—savings that go straight to the bottom line.

3. Reduced Idle Fuel Consumption

One area where fleet operators often struggle to save fuel is during idling. Diesel engines are notoriously inefficient when idling, consuming fuel without performing any useful work. D-HAT™ helps mitigate this by improving the combustion efficiency even during low-speed or idle operations. The hydrogen-assisted burn reduces fuel waste, allowing fleets to save fuel even when vehicles are not in motion.

4. More Power, Less Fuel

Another way D-HAT™ contributes to fuel savings is by increasing the engine’s torque output. With hydrogen assisting the combustion process, the engine generates more power per combustion cycle. This allows diesel engines to perform the same amount of work—whether it’s hauling heavy loads or powering industrial equipment—using less fuel.

For example, a truck equipped with D-HAT™ may need less throttle to achieve the same speed or towing capacity, effectively reducing fuel consumption. Over time, this incremental improvement can lead to significant fuel savings, particularly in industries where heavy-duty performance is essential.

How D-HAT™ Affects Maintenance and Operations

In addition to direct fuel savings, D-HAT™ offers fleet operators several operational benefits that indirectly contribute to cost reductions.

1. Lower Maintenance Costs

Incomplete combustion in diesel engines leads to carbon buildup in the engine’s cylinders, pistons, and exhaust systems. This buildup can cause a variety of problems, including increased engine wear, higher maintenance costs, and reduced fuel efficiency over time. Engines that are clogged with carbon require more frequent maintenance and repairs, including oil changes, filter replacements, and exhaust system cleanings.

By improving the combustion process and burning more of the diesel fuel completely, D-HAT™ helps prevent carbon buildup inside the engine. This leads to:

• Fewer repairs: Cleaner engines require less frequent maintenance and fewer repairs, reducing downtime and associated costs.
• Extended maintenance intervals: Fleet operators can extend the intervals between oil changes, filter replacements, and engine cleanings, further reducing maintenance costs.

2. Improved Engine Longevity

With less carbon buildup and reduced wear on engine components, diesel engines equipped with D-HAT™ tend to last longer. This extended engine life results in lower capital expenses for fleet operators, as they can delay the costly replacement of vehicles and equipment.

Environmental Benefits of Fuel Savings

The fuel savings achieved by D-HAT™ not only boost profitability but also contribute to environmental sustainability. By reducing diesel fuel consumption, fleet operators can lower their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and reduce their environmental footprint.

Every gallon of diesel fuel saved translates into a direct reduction in CO2 emissions. For example:

• A single gallon of diesel fuel produces approximately 22.4 pounds of CO2.
• A fleet saving 167,000 gallons of diesel per year (as in the example above) would reduce its CO2 emissions by nearly 1.87 million pounds annually.

By cutting fuel consumption, D-HAT™ helps companies meet environmental regulations, achieve sustainability goals, and demonstrate their commitment to reducing emissions and combating climate change.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment for Fuel Savings

In a world where fuel costs are a constant challenge for fleet operators, Diesel-Hydrogen Assist Technology (D-HAT™) provides a powerful solution to reduce diesel consumption, lower operational costs, and improve overall engine performance. With the ability to save up to 10% on fuel, D-HAT™ helps companies boost profitability while contributing to environmental sustainability.

For fleet managers looking to maximize fuel efficiency, reduce maintenance expenses, and lower their environmental impact, D-HAT™ represents a smart investment that delivers measurable results. By leveraging hydrogen-assisted combustion, businesses can enjoy cleaner, more efficient diesel engines that perform better and last longer, all while saving money on fuel.