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Conversion of a Small-Size Passenger Car to Hydrogen Fueling: Evaluating the Risk of Backfire and the Correlation to Fuel System Requirements through 0D/1D Simulation

Author

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  • Adrian Irimescu

    (Science and Technology Institute for Sustainable Energy and Mobility STEMS—CNR, Via G. Marconi 4, 80125 Napoli, Italy)

  • Bianca Maria Vaglieco

    (Science and Technology Institute for Sustainable Energy and Mobility STEMS—CNR, Via G. Marconi 4, 80125 Napoli, Italy)

  • Simona Silvia Merola

    (Science and Technology Institute for Sustainable Energy and Mobility STEMS—CNR, Via G. Marconi 4, 80125 Napoli, Italy)

  • Vasco Zollo

    (Demax SRL, Strada Statale 7 Appia km 251, 82014 Ceppaloni, Italy)

  • Raffaele De Marinis

    (Demax SRL, Strada Statale 7 Appia km 251, 82014 Ceppaloni, Italy)

Abstract

Hydrogen is an effective route for achieving zero carbon dioxide emissions, with a contained cost compared to electric powertrains. When considering the conversion of spark ignition (SI) engines to H 2 fueling, relatively minor changes are required in terms of added components. This study looks at the possibility of converting a small-size passenger car powered by a turbocharged SI unit. The initial evaluation of range and peak power showed that overall, the concept is feasible and directly comparable to the electric version of the vehicle in terms of powertrain performance. Injection phasing effects and cylinder imbalance were found to be potential issues. Therefore, the present work applied an 0D/1D simulation for investigating the effects of hydrogen fueling with respect to the likelihood of backfire. A range of engine speeds and load settings were scrutinized for evaluating the possibility of achieving the minimal risk of abnormal combustion due to pre-ignition. Ensuring the correct flow was predicted to be essential, especially at high loads and engine speeds. Fuel delivery phasing with respect to valve intake and closing events was also found to be a major factor that influenced not only backfire occurrence but conversion efficiency as well. Interactions with the electronic control unit were also evaluated, and additional requirements compared to standard conversion kits for LPG or CNG fueling were identified.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrian Irimescu & Bianca Maria Vaglieco & Simona Silvia Merola & Vasco Zollo & Raffaele De Marinis, 2023. "Conversion of a Small-Size Passenger Car to Hydrogen Fueling: Evaluating the Risk of Backfire and the Correlation to Fuel System Requirements through 0D/1D Simulation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:10:p:4201-:d:1151272
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yang, Zhenzhong & Zhang, Fu & Wang, Lijun & Wang, Kaixin & Zhang, Donghui, 2018. "Effects of injection mode on the mixture formation and combustion performance of the hydrogen internal combustion engine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 715-728.
    2. Sacchi, R. & Bauer, C. & Cox, B. & Mutel, C., 2022. "When, where and how can the electrification of passenger cars reduce greenhouse gas emissions?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    3. Mario Martín-Gamboa & Paula Quinteiro & Ana Cláudia Dias & Diego Iribarren, 2021. "Comparative Social Life Cycle Assessment of Two Biomass-to-Electricity Systems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-15, May.
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