The transportation industry has set important objectives to reduce green-house gas emissions. Among alternative energy sources, hydrogen produced from low carbon pathways has been intensively studied within the industry and supported by public policies. Hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines can represent an interesting and complementary solution to power transportation and Off-Road equipment as well as accelerate the transition towards sustainable mobility.
On the one hand, hydrogen combustion properties offer the possibility to adjust internal combustion performance and meet technical and regulatory requirements expected by the market. On the other hand, the same combustion properties are raising important questions on the lubrication system requirements to ensure a reliable and efficient operation of hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines in the field.
This paper investigates the challenges associated with hydrogen internal combustion engine lubricant with regards to specific calibration features and application targets. Specific focus is given on the impact of hydrogen combustion on engine lubricant performance as well as impact of the lubricant features on engine performance. Higher power density, and exhaust gas emissions related to the lubricant are specifically targeted by this study.
Several formulation “levers” have been investigated and tested on a H2 ICE on test bench. In particular, the influence of different lubricant formulations on the following parameters have been studied: behavior of the lubricant in contact with hydrogen; particulate emissions caused by the lubricant; influence of the lubricant on the pre-ignition phenomenon.
Experimental tests results are discussed to emphasize the importance of engine oil requirements, and the ability of the lubricant to support the development of hydrogen internal combustion engines.
