GORD Unveils Low-Emission Hybrid Car at COP18

Doha, November 28 (QNA) - Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD) unveiled an innovative low-emission hybrid car that cuts fuel consumption by up to 20%. Designed and developed in Qatar, the car was officially launched Wednesday on the sidelines of the COP18 conference at Qatar National Convention Center. Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, GORD Chairman Dr. Yousef Al Horr said preliminary tests demonstrated a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, adding that design improvements are underway to further reduce fuel consumption rates. The engine captures thermal waste energy that is utilized to generate electric energy to run hydrogen fuel cells using the potable water as a source for the gas, a statement on GORD website said. "The hybrid concept that is fully designed, built and installed in Qatar, is a landmark achievement and testament to GORD s alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. This indigenous product demonstrates Qatar's capability to reduce environmental impact and to make a contribution to sustainable developmen." said Al-Horr. Elaborating he said," Through Qatar hosting the COP18 conference, we now have a global platform 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." He explained that any car can be adapted to accommodate the system as it does not alter any electro-mechanical systems. "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," Al Horr said when asked about the difference between GORD s eco-hybrid concept and other hydrogen-powered cars. Dr. Al Horr added that a patent for the new system is currently being registered all over the world, noting that the design is significant as the global transport sector accounts for about 13 percent of the harmful emissions. The concept has been designed by a team of experts led by Dr. Esam Elsarrag, Director for Research and Development. The project is part of a series of scientific research programs developed through established-partnerships with local and international organizations, from both academic and applied research perspectives. "The project will be a definitive milestone in reducing carbon emissions. Using a high-energy and zero-emission fuel such as hydrogen is an effective way for improving the performance of spark-ignited (SI) and compression-ignited (CI) engines. Produced by a unique electrolysis process, hydroxyl gas was tested as a supplementary fuel in a gasoline car, where spark timing influences the SI engine performance, without need for storage tanks," Elsarrag said. The system can be used with gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) based engines. A non-profit subsidiary of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, GORD is a fully governmental Organization located at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). The organization's mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible building practices in Qatar and the entire Gulf region. (QNA)