High Performance Hydrogen Engine Applications Using Westport Fuel Systems’ Commercially Available HPDI Technology

Authors

D. Mumford, S. Baker, Dr. S. Munshi, Westport Fuel Systems Inc., Vancouver, Canada:

Year

2022

Print Info

Production/Publication ÖVK

Summary

Driven by need to address the challenges posed by climate change, the transportation sector is currently undergoing rapid transformation. Improvements in fuel cells technology has rejuvenated interest in potential of hydrogen as a source of clean energy. Engine manufacturers have also responded by re-evaluating the potential of ICEs utilizing hydrogen fuel. Combustion characteristics of hydrogen (such as fast burning speed, rapid mixing, and tolerance to wide range of fuel-air equivalence ratios) if utilized properly can deliver very high performance (torque/power) and efficiency. Internal combustion engines (ICEs) power almost all vehicles globally and have attained a high degree of maturity over the last 100+ years through sustained technological and manufacturing improvements and breakthroughs. There is still room for further improvements and breakthroughs to the incumbent ICE technology. The medium and heavy-duty sectors have been typically dominated by the diesel engine due to its superior attributes in terms of power output, efficiency, reliability, and total cost of ownership. Westport Fuel Systems initiated a study starting with engine combustion modeling analysis followed by multi-cylinder engine testing that indicated that high pressure direct injection (HPDI) of hydrogen with pilot ignition is the most promising combustion approach and has the potential to deliver highest engine performance (torque/power) and efficiency. H2 HPDI is eminently suitable for high load factor duty cycles such as on-road heavy duty commercial vehicles. A preliminary system level impact of adapting the HPDI fuel system and engine architecture to run on hydrogen was carried out including estimation of energy consumption for compressing hydrogen to pressure levels required for HPDI operation. Cost of ownership analysis was also carried out. Issues such as compatibility of fuel system materials with hydrogen operation were also considered. The paper will also discuss future steps to accelerate the commercialization of the H HPDI technology such as development and deployment of a heavy duty hydrogen vehicle demonstrator.

ISBN

1920-2323-23-1

Number of pages

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