Development and Evaluation of an Efficient Hydrogen IC Engine

Abstract

In the history of internal combustion engine development, hydrogen has been considered at several phases as a substitute to hydrocarbon-based fuels. Starting from the 70’s, there have been several attempts to convert engines for hydrogen operation. Together with the development in gas injector technology, it has become possible to control precisely the injection of hydrogen for safe operation. Since the fuel cell needs certain improvements before it is widely used in vehicles, the conventional internal engine is to play an important role in the transition. This study examines and compares the performance characteristics of a conventional spark ignition engine fuelled with kerosene, gasoline and hydrogen fuels. Results showed the brake thermal efficiency of hydrogen at Ignition Timing (IT) 24° BTDC to be 21.46% as compared with gasoline having 13.96% and kerosene having 14.80% at rated speed (3604 rpm) of the engine. Modifications like changing the Ignition Timing (IT) of the engine to three different IT’s i.e. 24° BTDC, 15° BTDC and 10° BTDC and changing stock spark plug to iridium tipped spark plug are made. Results showed optimum performance achieved with IT 20° BTDC having 1.66% increase in brake thermal efficiency and 0.05 kW increase in brake power at rated speed (3604 rpm) of the engine. Comparison of brake thermal efficiency and brake power is made between the gasoline, kerosene and hydrogen operation and engine design changes are discussed.