Is 30 Bar Mean Effective Pressure the Limit for Spark Ignited Commercial Hydrogen Engines?

Authors

M. Thewes, L. Virnich, A. Dhongde, A. Boberic, FEV, Aachen; P. Zimmer, S. Pischinger, Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems, RWTH Aachen University

Year

2025

Print Info

Production/Publication ÖVK

Summary

The occurrence of uncontrolled combustion phenomena is the limiting factor for the performance of hydrogen engines. Homogeneity of the air/fuel mixture, avoidance of hot zones in the combustion chamber, appropriate layout of the ignition system and lubrication oil formulation are decisive factors for avoiding combustion anomalies. To optimize all these characteristics, a special engine design would be preferable, with maintaining a high level of commonality with existing diesel engines being the key to market success. 

Against this background, FEV has developed a combustion concept with the base diesel engine and its flat cylinder head design that meets the requirements for high charge movement with maximum communality. The simulations carried out beforehand are compared with the test bench results acquired afterwards for different cylinder head configurations, with a special focus on the pre-ignition tendency. The improved cylinder head design in combination with an improved piston ring design, a special engine oil formulation and an increased injection pressure enables a significant increase in the possible performance level, achieving a mean effective pressure level of 28 bar without and 30 bar with tolerably low pre ignition events.

ISBN

978-3-9504969-4-9

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62626/3ce4-qcpb Copy link

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