Experimental study of a hydrogen-fueled engine

The Laboratory of Transport Technology (Ghent University) converted a GM/Cr usader V-8 engine for hydrogen use. The engine is intended for the propulsi on of a midsize hydrogen city bus for public demonstration. For a complete control of the combustion process and to increase the resistance to backfir e (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 tim ing, 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 lubrica ting oil (crankcase gases with high contents of hydrogen), oxygen sensors ( very lean operating conditions), and noise reduction (configuration and len gth of intake pipes). The advantages and disadvantages of a power regulatio n only by the air-to-fuel ratio (as for diesel engines) against a throttle regulation (normal gasoline or gas regulation) are examined Finally, the go als of the development of the engine are reached: power output of 90 kW, to rque of 300 Nm, extremely law emission levels, and backfire-safe operation.