Experimental Validation and Optimization of a Hydrogen–Gasoline Dual-Fuel Combustion Model in a Spark Ignition Engine with a Moderate Hydrogen Ratio

Attila Kiss, Bálint Szabó, Krisztián Kun (), Barna Hanula and Zoltán Weltsch
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Attila Kiss: Department of Innovative Vehicles and Materials, GAMF Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, John von Neumann University, H-6000 Kecskemét, Hungary
Bálint Szabó: BDN Automotive Kft., H-9025 Győr, Hungary
Krisztián Kun: Department of Innovative Vehicles and Materials, GAMF Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, John von Neumann University, H-6000 Kecskemét, Hungary
Barna Hanula: Department of Propulsion Technology, Széchenyi István University, H-9026 Győr, Hungary
Zoltán Weltsch: Department of Road and Rail Vehicles, Zalaegerszeg Innovation Park, Széchenyi István University, H-9026 Győr, Hungary

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-18

Abstract: Hydrogen–gasoline dual-fuel spark ignition (SI) engines represent a promising transitional solution toward cleaner combustion and reduced carbon emissions. In a previous study, a predictive engine model was developed to simulate the performance and combustion characteristics of such systems; however, its accuracy was constrained by the use of estimated combustion parameters. This study presents an experimental validation based on high-resolution in-cylinder pressure measurements performed on a naturally aspirated SI engine operating with a 20% hydrogen energy share. The objectives are twofold: (1) to refine the combustion model using empirically derived combustion metrics, and (2) to evaluate the feasibility of moderate hydrogen enrichment in a stock engine configuration. To facilitate a more accurate understanding of how key combustion parameters evolve under different operating conditions, Vibe function was fitted to the ensemble-averaged heat release rate curves computed from 100 consecutive engine cycles at each static full-load operating point. This approach enabled the extraction of stable and representative metrics, including the mass fraction burned at 50% (MFB50) and combustion duration, which were then used to recalibrate the predictive combustion model. In addition, cycle-to-cycle variation and combustion duration were also investigated in the dual-fuel mode. The combustion duration exhibited a consistent and substantial reduction across all of the examined operating points when compared to pure gasoline operation. Furthermore, the cycle-to-cycle variation difference remained statistically insignificant, indicating that the introduction of 20% hydrogen did not adversely affect combustion stability. In addition to improving model accuracy, this work investigates the occurrence of abnormal combustion phenomena—including backfiring, auto-ignition, and knock—under enriched conditions. The results confirm that 20% hydrogen blends can be safely utilized in standard engine architectures, yielding faster combustion and reduced burn durations. The validated model offers a reliable foundation for further dual-fuel optimization and supports the broader integration of hydrogen into conventional internal combustion platforms.

Keywords: dual fuel; hydrogen; combustion model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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