Holistic Solution Enabling High Power Density & Efficiency H₂-Ice

Global decarbonization necessitates the use of sophisticated technologies to take the current internal combustion engine (ICE) to the next level. One approach is burning green hydrogen (H₂) and having engine power density and efficiency comparable to those of advanced Diesel engines (i.e., “diesel-like performance”) but with zero emissions. Achieving this objective requires burning H₂ at ultra-lean conditions preventing high thermal load on in-cylinder components and enabling reliable, durable, and cost effective solutions. This scenario has created the motivation to develop new technologies in the areas of hydrogen prechamber combustion, ignition and fuel injection, defining a holistic solution. In particular, the prechamber must operate with very lean lambda to prevent preignition and the ignition system must be able to deliver an adaptive spark energy/power that assures proper ignition of the ultra-lean hydrogen mixture while preventing the formation of hot spots on the electrodes leading to combustion instabilities like backfire, knock and preignition. Similarly, the hydrogen injection & mixing system must prevent the formation of rich pockets resulting in combustion abnormalities caused by lube oil preignition (LOP). This paper illustrates the performance potential of hydrogen engine combustion enabled by a holistic combustion solution and confirmed with engine test results. Moreover, the need for an Advanced Turbocharging System together with a Staged Development Approach are discussed for mitigating the technical and commercial risks associated with the introduction of competitive hydrogen engine technology in the market.