Internal Combustion Engine Design

Internal Combustion Engines are a mature technology, and with hydrogen being a low-carbon fuel and having a high calorific value, hydrogen ICEs present as an ideal decarbonisation technology for high power applications. Although ICEs are a mature technology, they still require modifications to utilise hydrogen as a fuel, due to the unique combustion characteristics of hydrogen and the production of nitrogen oxide emissions, which requires investigation of post-combustion exhaust gas analysis and emission abatement techniques.

In terms of hydrogen ICE design research, the UK ranks within the top 5 globally, led by Imperial College London, University of Birmingham, and Newcastle University. The UK’s hydrogen ICE research outputs have remained between 5-6 % globally, while UK academics, especially at the University of Birmingham, are classed as world leading in the field of hydrogen ICEs. Detailed academic capability analysis of hydrogen ICEs is presented in Section 5.2.1, highlighting the need for addressing key research and development challenges such as knocking risks, high NOx emissions, and durability concerns due to hydrogen embrittlement. Addressing these challenges, along with consistent supply chain routes, will enable the UK’s strong ICE research capabilities to translate to the manufacturing of high-quality hydrogen ICEs within the UK, effectively decarbonising the heavy industry and transport sectors.