Theoretical and experimental research on the use of hydrogen in the automotive spark ignition engine

Abstract

Reducing the level of pollutant emissions of internal combustion engines requires the adaptation of solutions that improve the combustion process in the cylinder but those solutions may increase their constructive complexity. For this reason, the use of hydrogen is an effective solution, both for replacing fossil fuels and for reducing the concentration of pollutant emissions. The use of hydrogen as an additional fuel for the automotive spark ignition engines offers the possibility of obtaining increased energy performance, decreased pollutant emissions level and decreased concentration of greenhouse gas emissions. The paper presents the results of the some theoretical and experimental investigations carried on an automotive spark ignition engine, analysing the influence of the hydrogen on combustion and implicitly on energy performance and pollution. The simulation of thermo-gas-dynamic processes in the cylinder of the engine fed successively with gasoline/gasoline and hydrogen, allowed the authors to develop a specific and efficient procedure for conducting experimental investigations. The results of the theoretical and experimental research obtained and presented in the paper highlight the advantages of using hydrogen as an additive to gasoline fuelling in the automobile spark ignition engine: the improvement of combustion (reduction of combustion duration, increase of indicated thermal efficiency, reduction of specific energy consumption) and reduction of the level of polluting emissions and of the emission of greenhouse gases. An engine adjustment strategy for the sharp reduction of the concentration of nitrogen oxides is also presented.