The future of internal combustion engines seems to be in the hands of hydrogen engine technology. Although it is still a work in progress, the new hydrogen race engine from AVL Racetech, demonstrates the potential power of these types of engines. While most of the automobile world is still a fan of electric vehicles, it won’t be long before hydrogen power is a vital energy source.
The masterminds behind the innovative engine
The H2-ICE engine, created by a company called AVL Racetech, is a hydrogen powertrain that has the potential to transform the automobile industry.
But who is AVL Ractech? They are an Austrian motorsport engineering firm that has been consistently working with hydrogen for high-performance applications. One of the highest-performing prototypes is the hydrogen-powered race engine. It is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 410 horsepower (hp) and reaches peak power at 6,5000 rpm. With its use of water injections, it infiltrates more water with the intake air. This advanced technology creates optimal performance and is a great step forward in creating cleaner internal combustion engines.
Additionally, this Austrian company isn’t the only company making strides with the hydrogen engine. Toyota has also submitted a patent for a similar prototype that is said to help improve engine longevity and demonstrate the benefits of hydrogen engines in motorsports.
What makes the H2-ICE engine unique is its potential to combine the characteristics of ICE and EV technologies.
Advantages of the H2-ICE
What makes the H2-ICE so incredible is its potential to combine features of ICE and EV technologies. It also has zero emissions, making it an environmentally friendly option. The engine noise is still very present, but that is something that will most likely be improved upon in the future.
During testing, the company shared that the simulation generated promising results. Soon, the company hopes to test the hydrogen engine in racecars to see how it performs in the real world. The company seems eager to specifically test on race cars to fulfill its goal of leading the motorsport world into a more sustainable future.
Interestingly, changes in the world of racing have already begun. World Rally Championship and Formula One, both major racing series, have started using hybrid technology. This year, IndyCar will continue this trend by using batter-electric powertrains with Formula E and Extreme E.
What is important to know is that the H2-ICE does not further the myth that hydrogen powertrains are associated with lean burn and low performance. In fact, its output can compete with many current motorsport engines.
Challenges of AVL hydrogen engine
Although this machine has many advantages, it still needs to be improved.
One of the most prominent problems is the high cost of hydrogen storage and generation, which could be a big economic concern in the future.
There is also the question of filling up the tank. With gasoline being more readily available than hydrogen, there needs to be a new network of hydrogen stations to continuously fuel cars.
Hydrogen also has a wider range of flammability, which makes safety a big challenge, especially in the high-speed world of motorsports. The engines also don’t fit in with the sleek and slender design of most race cars. Hydrogen engines often need more space, which would make their cars bigger and heavier.
Lastly, hydrogen engines are less efficient than electric vehicles and lose more energy in the conversion process.
Although the design has many flaws, many companies in the automotive industry are determined to move forward with the hydrogen discoveries. With time and a lot of experimenting, who knows how far the H2-ICE will advance?