Methanol and Hydrogen – CO2 Neutral Synthetic Fuels for Heavy Duty and Large Bore Applications

Authors

Arne Güdden, M.Sc., Aleksandar Boberic, M.Sc., Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Pischinger, Institute for Combustion Engines (VKA), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany;
Dr.-Ing. Lukas Virnich, Dr.-Ing. José Geiger, Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Benedikt Heuser, Dr.-Ing. Martin Müther, Dipl.-Ing. Bernd Lindemann, FEV Europe GmbH, Aachen, Germany

Summary

In addition to the partial or complete electrification of the powertrain, (new) fuels with no or low carbon content and the potential to be produced from renewable sources come into focus. Their suitability for efficient combustion, but also their storage both in fueling stations and on-board play a decisive role in the applicability of alternative fuels. Hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel offers a vast potential but is quite challenging with respect to storage and short-term availability. Methanol is the simplest liquid synthetic fuel and one of the most promising alternative fuels, especially for shipping, as it is one of the most widely used chemicals and therefore available in most ports. As a gaseous, fast burning fuel, hydrogen is suited well for lean burn spark ignition engines. Methanol, on the other hand, can be used in different ways in internal combustion engines. Both compression ignition (Diesel) and positive ignition (Otto) combustion principles are suitable. 
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