Hydrogen engine to power
hard-to-electrify vehicles for long-haul transit
Argonne scientists demonstrated that the
opposed-piston engine can operate with compression ignition using
hydrogen fuel.
In a promising partnership, Achates Power, known for its innovative
designs of opposed-piston, two-stroke compression ignition engines,
has teamed up with scientists from the US Department of Energy’s (DOE)
Argonne National Laboratory.
Together, they are spearheading the development of a hydrogen-powered
engine customized to meet the needs of long-haul commercial vehicles.
The team of researchers showcased a demonstration in this regard,
proving that the opposed-piston engine can effectively utilize
compression ignition with hydrogen fuel.
“Hydrogen may be the best fuel for truly sustainable long-haul
transportation. Argonne’s successful demonstration with carbon-free
hydrogen combustion will be an important step towards decarbonizing
the mid-duty, heavy-duty freight sector," said Essam El-Hannouny, a
principal engineer at Argonne, in a statement.
Significant advantages
During World War II, the opposed-piston engine, invented over a
century ago, experienced its prime, propelling submarines and aircraft
carriers with remarkable fuel efficiency. However, its widespread
adoption was hindered by increasingly stringent emissions regulations.
In recent years, advancements in technology and engineering have
revitalized interest in the opposed-piston engine. Scientists are
investigating its viability within a zero-carbon transportation
framework, underscoring its potential to contribute significantly to
sustainable mobility solutions.
Compared to traditional engines, the advanced opposed-piston engine
boasts several advantages for hydrogen combustion. One key benefit
lies in its streamlined design, facilitated by Achates Power's
pioneering piston architecture.
This innovative design features two pistons
operating in opposition within a single cylinder, eliminating the need
for cylinder heads. By doing so, it addresses a significant source of
heat loss and inefficiency inherent in conventional engine setups,
according to the team.
This is significant in the high reactivity and low ignition energy of
hydrogen fuel. With its two-stroke combustion cycle, the engine
generates twice as many power strokes per crankshaft revolution as a
standard four-stroke engine, resulting in increased power output.
Additionally, it boasts a lighter weight, lower cost, and simplified
construction process.
Huge potential
Hydrogen is a versatile fuel source, readily produced from low- or
no-carbon resources such as wind and solar energy. When burned, it
emits no carbon dioxide, enhancing its appeal as an environmentally
friendly energy option.
Researchers say that in zero-carbon transportation, electric vehicles
currently dominate the car market. However, the hydrogen-powered
opposed-piston engine occupies a distinct position, offering a
solution for powering long-distance vehicles that are challenging to
electrify.
The team claims it can make "refinements based on data generated
during testing. Our goal is to develop an efficient, cost-effective
hydrogen combustion opposed-piston engine that could be
transformational for the transportation industry.”
The concept is only partially novel, yet
recent advancements in electronic controls, fuel injection, and
sensor technology present opportunities to propel the development
of modern opposed-piston engines.
According to Douglas Longman, Argonne's
group manager of Advanced Power Systems Research, these
innovations can significantly enhance the capabilities of
opposed-piston engines. With their potential to run on hydrogen
fuel, these engines hold immense promise for driving
decarbonization efforts.
Testing at Argonne is in its initial
stages, with Achates set to utilize the combustion and emission
data obtained to update its computer models.
The primary objective is to enhance engine
design and optimize combustion strategies. Both remotely and
on-site, Achates engineers collaborate with Argonne, aiding in
engine calibration and monitoring throughout the process.
“Our goal is to demonstrate the capability
of the opposed-piston engine to run hydrogen and reach the
efficiency, power density, and torque of diesel-powered engines,
at the same time we are eliminating greenhouse gas emissions,”
said Ming Huo, a project manager at Achates, in a
statement.
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