Meeting Efficiency and Emissions Goals for Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines

Researchers in Argonne's Center for Transportation Research have developed advanced combustion concepts for hydrogen internal combustion engines to meet the U.S. Department of Energy challenging goals, which include a peak brake thermal efficiency of 45% and drive-cycle NOx emissions as low as 0.07 g/mile.

Experimental activities combined with advanced 3-D CFD simulation several combustion concepts were investigated. A recent upgrade in engine geometry combined with newly developed injection equipment and optimized injection strategies allowed the researchers to run the research engine at estimates brake thermal efficiencies of up to 45.5%. Consecutive drive-cycle simulations using measured NOx results suggest that the advanced combustion concept produces NOx emissions below 0.02 g/mile, thus meeting both technical goals set by the DOE.

The results will be presented at the 2011 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program and Vehicle Technologies Program Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting in May 2011.

Brake thermal efficiency map of the hydrogen direct injection engine.	Estimated fuel economy and emissions of a hydrogen direct injection engine vehicle compared to fuel economy standards and emissions regulations.

May 2011