What To Know
- An unprecedented breakthrough in hydrogen enginesIn a groundbreaking development, AVL RACETECH has unveiled a prototype of an internal combustion engine fueled by hydrogen.
- The basic technology of a gasoline engine and a hydrogen combustion engine is similar, which simplifies adaptation for customer racing where necessary modifications are relatively straightforward.
- fuel of the futureHydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines are likely to play a crucial role in the automotive industry’s future by offering a cleaner alternative to gasoline and diesel vehicles.
This engine runs on water, not gasoline, potentially signaling the end for electric vehicles.
an unprecedented breakthrough in hydrogen engines
In a groundbreaking development, AVL RACETECH has unveiled a prototype of an internal combustion engine fueled by hydrogen. This 2-liter turbocharged engine uses advanced water injection technology to enhance its performance, challenging the current norms of hydrogen engines that typically rely on lean combustion limiting their efficiency.
performance and innovation
The engine stands out with its stoichiometric combustion, achieving an impressive power output of 150 kW per liter, placing it on par with today’s high-performance race engines. The incorporation of water injection technology increases pressure and cools the combustion chamber, allowing these levels of performance while adhering to stringent motorsport safety standards.
optimized combustion management
An effective and controlled combustion process is key. The engine’s design leverages AVL’s expertise in system behavior, using advanced simulation models and 3D flow calculations to optimize incoming air and prevent mechanical stress. This rigorous combustion management ensures high performance and increased engine reliability.
overcoming technical challenges
The complexity of achieving motorsport-level performance values with a hydrogen internal combustion engine is significant. However, the basic technology of a gasoline engine and a hydrogen combustion engine is similar, which simplifies adaptation for customer racing where necessary modifications are relatively straightforward.
revolutionary engine specifics
The prototype generates 500 Nm of torque between 3,000 and 4,000 RPM through stoichiometric combustion that also helps increase boost pressure while cooling the combustion chamber. This system reduces risks of pre-ignition, a common issue that can severely damage the engine.
validated performance in testing
During a demonstration at AVL’s headquarters in Graz, the H₂-ICE prototype achieved peak power of 410 horsepower (approximately 301.7 kW) and an engine speed of 6,500 RPM during tests. These results confirm the potential of hydrogen combustion technologies for high-performance applications.
hydrogen: fuel of the future
Hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines are likely to play a crucial role in the automotive industry’s future by offering a cleaner alternative to gasoline and diesel vehicles. These engines produce zero emissions at the tailpipe, significantly reducing carbon footprint and air pollution.
- The US focuses on electric vehicles.
- Japan bets on hydrogen.
But India causes a global stir with its first fully exploiting this futuristic fuel.
This article explores the disruptive potential of AVL RACETECH’s hydrogen engine prototype, which could not only redefine performance standards for race engines but also accelerate the transition toward sustainable emission-free mobility.
