Hydrogen engine test and development
Emissions of carbon dioxide and fine dust reduced by 99% and 90%, respectively
Amid the fierce competition throughout the globe to develop hydrogen mobility technologies to achieve carbon neutrality, a new technology for a 2-liter class hydrogen-fueled engine (a passenger car hydrogen engine) capable of running entirely on hydrogen has been developed for the first time in the country.
The joint research team led by Principal Researcher Young Choi of the Department of Mobility Power Research of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (President Sang-jin Park, hereinafter referred to as KIMM), an institute under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science and ICT, and Researcher Hong-gil Baek of the Zero-Carbon Engine Research Lab of Hyundai-Kia Motor Company (Chairman Eui-sun Chung, hereinafter referred to as HMC) developed the “direct injection hydrogen engine” that runs entirely on hydrogen fuels, and demonstrated its world-class excellence through performance evaluation.
The joint research team of KIMM and HMC injected hydrogen directly into the combustion chamber of the engine of HMC’s existing hybrid vehicle, with a pressure larger by more than 30 times than atmospheric pressure (or with a pressure of more than 30 bar). By using a turbo charger that improves the performance of the engine, the research team was able to maintain high thermal efficiency in all domains from the ignition of the engine to the upper limit of the engine load, allowing the engine to be stably operated throughout the entire engine operating conditions.
In the case of conventional “port injection engines*,” the amount of air that flows into the combustion chamber declines because of the space taken up by the hydrogen fuel that exists in a gaseous state, which leads to lower fuel efficiency and poorer engine performance due to the backfire of the hydrogen fuel and air.
* Port injection hydrogen engine: A port injection hydrogen engine is a type of internal-combustion engine that uses hydrogen as fuel, and combusts hydrogen after mixing it with air by injecting hydrogen using an upper inhaling port instead of injecting it into the cylinder.
On the other hand, the “direct injection hydrogen engine” newly developed by the joint research team has fundamentally resolved the issue of backfire by injecting high-pressure hydrogen fuel directly into the combustion chamber. At the same time, the high compression ratio, fuel stratification, and ultra-lean combustion help to maximize thermal efficiency and improve power performance, while at the same time reducing the amount of harmful emissions.
Compared with gasoline engines, the newly developed hydrogen engine helps to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and fine dust by 99 percent and 90 percent, respectively, which meets EU (or European Union)’s requirements for zero-emission vehicles. Additionally, the hydrogen engine emits nitrogen oxides* of less than 15 ppm even without an aftertreatment system that purifies exhaust gases, achieving a high thermal efficiency of up to 40 percent.
* Nitrogen oxides: Nitrogen oxides are chemicals that are created through the reaction between nitrogen and oxygen, and are usually generated during the combustion process of vehicle engines and power plants, etc. Nitrogen oxides are considered to be harmful to the environment, and high emissions of nitrogen oxides may lead to health problems related to respiratory diseases.
Principal Researcher Young Choi of the Department of Mobility Power Research of KIMM said, “The newly developed hydrogen engine technology is an instantaneous and economical technology that can help to replace fossil fuels, which are currently being used as the main power source for vehicles, with carbon-free hydrogen fuels.” He added, “Through collaboration with HMC, we will verify the durability of the engine and also expand the application of this technology to not only passenger vehicles but also commercial vehicles and electricity generation power units. Through continuous research and development of technologies for generating power using carbon-free fuels, we will take the lead in the realization of carbon neutrality.”
More from: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials
The Latest Updates from Bing News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Hydrogen engine
- Mitsui Advances Big Engine Track Record
Mitsui E&S has announced that the group's total production of large marine engines in FY2023 was 155 units with a cumulative horsepower of 3.16 million.
- Hyosung Heavy Industries Pioneers Commercial Hydrogen Engine Power Generation
In a groundbreaking achievement, Hyosung Heavy Industries has successfully commercialized the world’s first hydrogen engine power generator, a crucial product for developing next-generation ...
- Railway Engine Market Expected to Hit USD 41.06 Billion by 2033, Growing 4.8% Annually
The railway engine market is anticipated to thrive at an average CAGR of 4.8% between 2023 and 2033. The market is anticipated to reach a market share of USD 41.06 Billion by 2033, while it holds a ...
- Welcome aboard the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell superyacht
'Project 821' is an enticing statement piece for the aspiring, eco-conscious Bond villain.
- Hydrogen Engines Race to the Finish Line with Help from 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding, Jacob Nolan and Preeti Sulibhavi examine recent investments and breakthroughs in hydrogen engine technology.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Direct injection hydrogen engine
- Yuchai Appointed as Committee Member of New Hydrogen Innovation Consortium
China Yuchai International Limited (NYSE: CYD) ("China Yuchai" or the "Company), one of the largest powertrain solution manufacturers through its main operating subsidiary in China, Guangxi Yuchai ...
- Hydrogen Engines Race to the Finish Line with Help from 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding, Jacob Nolan and Preeti Sulibhavi examine recent investments and breakthroughs in hydrogen engine technology.
- The Wild Tomahawk Internal Combustion Turbine Engine Could Dramatically Chop Fuel Use and Emissions
Small, ultra-fast, primary and “afterburner” secondary combustion events promise to deliver brake thermal efficiency as high as 69 percent.
- The trucking life of the internal combustion engine going forward
The zero-emissions trucking future will be a mix of powertrain technologies including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and, yes, even internal combustion engines. The transition to electric ...
- The latest 400 hp water engine: better than all hydrogen and the end of electricity
This water engine is miles ahead than hydrogen: 400 hp and the awaited start of a new era in zero-emission vehicles ...