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The increasing environmental concern is leading to the need for innovation in the field of internal combustion engines, in order to reduce the carbon footprint. In this context, hydrogen is a possible mid-term solution to be used both in conventional-like internal combustion engines and in fuel cells (for hybridization purposes), thus, hydrogen combustion characteristics must be considered. In particular, the flame of a hydrogen combustion is less subjected to the quenching effect caused by the engine walls in the combustion chamber. Thus, the significant heating up of the thin lubricant layer upon the cylinder liner may lead to its evaporation, possibly and negatively affecting the combustion process, soot production. The authors propose an analysis which aims to address the behavior of different typical engine oils, (SAE0W30, SAE5W30, SAE5W40) under engine thermo-physical conditions considering a large hydrogen-fuelled engine.

The need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from motor vehicles pushes the European Union towards drastic choices on future mobility. Despite this, the engines of the “future” have not yet been defined: the choice of engine type will undoubtedly depend on the type of application (journey length, availability of recharging/refueling facilities), practical availability of alternative fuels, and electricity to recharge the batteries. The electrification of vehicles (passenger and transportation cars) may be unsuitable for several aspects: the gravimetric energy density could be too low if the vehicle has to be lightweight, must achieve a high degree of autonomy, or needs a very short refueling time.