The future of a zero-emissions world has received a big boost. Thanks to the innovative efforts of AVL RACETECH, a new type of turbine engine has been created. And what makes this particular engine unique is that it is powered by hydrogen, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional engines powered by fossil fuels.
H₂-ICE: A hydrogen-powered engine that combines high performance and sustainability
AVL RACETECH is the motorsports division of AVL, an Austrian-based company that specializes in mobile technology. In response to criticism that hydrogen engines generate low-performance figures due to their lean-burn properties, they collaborated with Hungary’s HUMDA Lab to develop an engine meant to demonstrate hydrogen as a viable source while also delivering maximum performance.
As a result, they created a two-liter hydrogen combustion (H₂-ICE) engine prototype, one that features stoichiometric combustion in order to produce 500 Nm of torque at 3,000 to 4,000 rpm.
The engine prototype achieves this due to its smart port fuel injection (PFI) system. How the PFI system works is that it introduces additional water into the engine’s intake air; in doing so, it increases the boost pressure while the evaporating water cools the combustion chamber. This lessens the risk of pre-ignition, a common issue faced by drivers—if it occurs, it can severely damage the overall engine.
Furthermore, this prototype strays away from the lean range, as it has an air-fuel ratio (lambda) of 1. Combined with a wastegate turbocharger that meets its air demand, this allows the engine to maintain efficient combustion.
When put to the test, this next-gen engine produced phenomenal results
In a recent demonstration, AVL RACETECH tested the H₂-ICE engine prototype at their headquarters in Graz. The testing took place on an engine testbed specifically modified for hydrogen use.
Incredibly, the engine prototype achieved a top figure of 410 horsepower, which translates to 301.7 kilowatts (kW). As for engine speed, it reached a peak of 6,500 rpm.
Project leader Paul Kapus expressed his happiness and enthusiasm about the success of this test, saying, “Realizing performance values at motorsport level with a hydrogen internal combustion engine is an incredibly complex technical challenge. But our prototype proves it can be done.
“Our goals were 500 Nm of torque and an output of up to 300 kW (specific output of 150 kW/l). We are proud to have been able to validate those figures on the testbed,” Kapus added.
Experts predict that hydrogen will one day take the place of all fuels
Clearly, the results of the test show that hydrogen-powered engines such as the H₂-ICE engine prototype have great potential as a replacement for engines that rely solely on traditional fossil fuels like diesel, gasoline, and electricity.
In fact, according to Ellen Lohr, the Director of Motorsport at AVL RACETECH, this prototype is set to significantly transform the motorsports industry as we know it, as drivers can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by a huge margin.
“The goal of AVL RACETECH is to lead motorsport into a sustainable future,” Lohr explained. “With the development of the first racing engine developed under our own name—a high-performance H₂-ICE—we have taken another step closer to achieving this vision.”
Indeed, this engine prototype represents a momentous leap towards a future where hydrogen technology is the main driving force behind the motorsports industry. If refined further, it could have a positive influence on other commercial sectors, including the automotive and aerospace industries. Perhaps these sectors will take their cue from AVL RACTECH and begin to develop sustainable solutions of their own—if anything, the future looks far brighter and more green than ever before!