Predictive model of a premixed, lean hydrogen combustion for internal combustion engines

Abstract

Hydrogen internal combustion engines can play a major role in the future transportation sector since they can be run without emitting carbon dioxide emissions and are more cost effective than fuel cells. The development of such engines demands accurate engine models, which are very flexible to cover future combustion process adjustments. In this work, a predictive model for lean hydrogen combustion in a spark ignited internal combustion engine is presented. It incorporates a quasi-dimensional, multi-zone cylinder model together with an entrainment model for the combustion. The reaction kinetics as well as the laminar flame speed are calculated online from the composition of the unburned gas. Additionally, an improved flame geometry calculation is introduced. The conducted simulations show reasonable results in terms of nitrogen oxide emissions as well as fundamental physical and chemical principles. A validation of the model with experimental data will be presented in future works.