A Critical Review of Experimental Research on Hydrogen Fueled SI Engines

Document Number: 2006-01-0430

Date Published: April 2006

Author(s):
Sebastian Verhelst - Ghent University
Stefaan Verstraeten - Karel de Grote-Hogeschool
Roger Sierens - Ghent University

Abstract:
The literature on hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines is surprisingly extensive and papers have been published continuously from the 1930s up to the present day. Ghent University has been working on hydrogen engines for more than a decade. A summary of the most important findings, resulting from a literature study and the experimental work at Ghent University, is given in the present paper, to clarify some contradictory claims and ultimately to provide a comprehensive overview of the design features in which a dedicated hydrogen engine differs from traditionally fueled engines.

Topics that are discussed include abnormal combustion (backfire, pre-ignition and knock), mixture formation techniques (carbureted, port injected, direct injection) and load control strategies (power output versus NOx tradeoff). Attention is given to the most recent research by car manufacturers BMW and Ford, reporting hybrid control strategies (PFI+DI, lean burn + stoichiometric operation using EGR) to obtain power outputs equivalent to gasoline engines with extremely low emission levels. Recent results from experiments with EGR on a hydrogen engine at Ghent University are also given. Finally, a synthesis of hydrogen engine design features is given, that makes the most of hydrogen's advantages and counter its disadvantages. Areas requiring further research are highlighted.

File Size: 255K
Product Status: In Stock

Included in: SP-2009

See other papers presented at SAE 2006 World Congress & Exhibition, April 2006, Detroit, MI, USA, Session: Hydrogen IC Engines

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