Development of a large-sized direct injection hydrogen engine for a stationary power generator

A number of studies on hydrogen engines have targeted small-sized engines for passenger vehicles. By contrast, the present study focuses on a large-sized engine for a stationary power generator. The objective of this study is to simultaneously achieve low NOx emission without aftertreatment, and high thermal efficiency and torque. Experimental analysis has been conducted on a single-cylinder test engine equipped with a gas injector for direct hydrogen injection. The injection strategy adopted in this study aims generating inhomogeneity of hydrogen mixtures within the engine cylinder by setting the injection pressure at a relatively low level while injecting hydrogen through small orifices. High levels of EGR and increased intake boost pressures are also adopted to reduce NOx emission and enhance torque. The results showed that extreme levels of EGR and air-fuel inhomogeneity can suppress NOx emission and the occurrence of abnormal combustion with little negative impact on the efficiency of hydrogen combustion. The maximum IMEP achieved under these conditions is 1.46 MPa (135 Nm@1000 rpm) with engine-out NOx emission of less than 150 ppm (ISNOx < 0.55 g/kW) for an intake boost pressure of 175 kPa and EGR rate of around 50%. To achieve further improvement of the IMEP and thermal efficiency, the Atkinson/Miller cycle was attempted by increasing the expansion ratio and retarding the intake valve closing time of the engine. The test engine used in this study finally achieved an IMEP of 1.64 MPa (150 Nm@1000 rpm) with less than 100 ppm of NOx emission (ISNOx < 0.36 g/kWh) and more than 50% of ITE.