Internal combustion Engine - An alternative energy converter for hydrogen

Figure 2: Torque and Specific power for PFI (Port Fuel Injection) and DI (Direct Injection) 2 litre engine. For mobility applications hydrogen has the potential to make an important contribution towards well-to-wheel and life-cycle CO₂ neutral mobility solutions. Usually the fuel cell is seen as the obvious energy converter, promising emission-free operation and high efficiency. The motivation for this research is a technology open assessment of whether and how hydrogen internal combustion engines can represent an alternative for many applications. Substantial arguments in favour of the application of hydrogen internal combustion engines are existing manufacturing structures, robustness, low demands on fuel quality and a much more favourable cost situation, which could lead to a much faster penetration and development of the starting infrastructure. In some European countries, as well as in several important markets, e.g. Japan, Korea and China, a network of hydrogen refuelling stations exists and is currently expanding. In the past few years, the Institute of Internal Combustion Engines and Thermodynamics has carried out intensive studies on this topic within the framework of bilateral activities with industrial partners, a large EU project and several FFG projects.