A Water-Injected 2.0-Liter Hydrogen Turbo-Four Engine Generates 410 hp.

Earlier this month, the Austrian mobility technology firm AVL had reason to celebrate as it verified simulations demonstrating its prototype 2.0-liter turbo hydrogen race engine achieving over 200 horsepower per liter. AVL employs a water-injection system in conjunction with the turbocharger to enhance combustion safety and power output, and this approach has proven to be highly effective.

While much attention in the automotive world has been focused on hydrogen fuel cell-electric powertrains, hydrogen combustion engines are gradually gaining more attention and consideration. Even in the context of motorsports, where the lack of hydrogen fueling infrastructure on public roads isn’t a concern, these engines still face their own challenges.

“Performance Challenges in Conventional Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (ICE)”

AVL highlights that the conventional hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) tends to exhibit reduced performance due to lean burn, which involves a high air-to-fuel ratio. While lean burn can offer advantages such as enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, it also results in diminished power output, a challenge that becomes especially problematic in the context of a race engine.

In the previous year, when AVL unveiled its hydrogen racing engine project within AVL Racetech, they revealed that the engine’s design incorporated a water injection system aimed at increasing power. The innovative PFI water injection system injects water into the engine’s intake air, preventing early ignition and adjusting the air-fuel ratio from a lean burn to a stoichiometric level. The air is supplied through a wastegate turbocharging system.

“AVL’s Innovative Solution: Enhanced Power Output in Hydrogen ICE”

AVL’s configuration effectively addresses the challenges of lean burn and its associated low power output, resulting in a hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) that delivers greater horsepower. Testing this month on the prototype 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine confirmed the impressive figures previously projected by AVL. The engine now generates 410 horsepower (302 kW) at 6,500 rpm and a total of 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm. AVL has previously emphasized that achieving an output of approximately 201 horsepower per liter (150 kW per liter) would position the engine competitively in contemporary, closely aligned with production race categories.

“The outcomes obtained from our H2 racing engine validate our capability to offer a highly competitive solution using this technology,” expressed Ellen Lohr, the director of motorsport at AVL, following the testing. “AVL Racetech’s aim is to guide motorsport towards a sustainable future, and with the development of our inaugural racing engine bearing our name, we are one step closer to realizing this vision.”

“The Emissions and Economic Considerations in Hydrogen Combustion for Motorsport”

Hydrogen combustion, while not emitting carbon, does release nitrous oxides (NOx), especially at stoichiometric levels. Lean-burn engines aid in reducing these emissions. While a hydrogen fuel cell is a cleaner, zero-emission alternative, AVL believes that a hydrogen combustion engine will ultimately be more cost-effective for motorsport teams due to the smoother transition from gasoline ICEs. Moreover, it retains the mechanical sound and the familiar sensation of traditional motorsport.

AVL’s next phase will involve testing the 2.0-liter H2 turbo engine in an actual race car on the track.

Read th original article on: New Atlas

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