Experimental Study of a Hydrogen-Fueled Engine

Abstract

The Laboratory of Transport Technology (Ghent University) converted a GM/Crusader V-8 engine for hydrogen use. The engine is intended for the propulsion of a midsize hydrogen city bus for public demonstration. For a complete control of the combustion process and to increase the resistance to backfire (explosion of the air–fuel mixture in the intake manifold), a sequential timed multipoint injection of hydrogen and an electronic management system is chosen. The results as a function of the engine parameters (ignition timing, injection timing and duration, injection pressure) are given. Special focus is given to topics related to the use of hydrogen as a fuel: ignition characteristics (importance of electrode distance), quality of the lubricating oil (crankcase gases with high contents of hydrogen), oxygen sensors (very lean operating conditions), and noise reduction (configuration and length of intake pipes). The advantages and disadvantages of a power regulation only by the air-to-fuel ratio (as for diesel engines) against a throttle regulation (normal gasoline or gas regulation) are examined. Finally, the goals of the development of the engine are reached: power output of 90 kW, torque of 300 Nm, extremely low emission levels, and backfire-safe operation.