Authors

J. Hergott, P. Tipner, Forvia, Bavans

Year

2026

Print Info

Production/Publication ÖVK

Summary

Hydrogen internal combustion engine (H₂-ICE) is recognized as a key technology for decarbonizing intensive and heavy-duty applications such as long-haul trucks, off-road machinery, and rail transport. Meeting the mission profiles of these sectors requires large onboard quantities of hydrogen, for which liquid hydrogen storage offers significant volumetric advantages. However, the lack of mature solutions for efficiently coupling cryogenic storage to the engine remains a major barrier. Among the identified challenges, the cryogenic pump — which pressurizes liquid hydrogen from the tank to feed the engine — emerges as a critical enabling technology. In parallel, motorsport is exploring liquid hydrogen as part of its decarbonization strategy. Despite divergent vehicle-level performance targets, system-level synergies can be identified, enabling reciprocal technology transfer. This paper presents how a technology initially developed for space applications and adapted to heavy-duty mobility can be transposed to motorsport, an environment characterized by demanding performance, transient operation, and tight packaging constraints. In particular, we highlight the levers available to maximize usable hydrogen capacity and their implications for system and product design. Finally, we discuss how this intermediate step can speed up technology maturation, providing experiences that can ultimately unlock the deployment of H₂-ICE in heavy-duty applications.

ISBN

978-3-9504969-5-6

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62626/z6ou-b4zy Copy link

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