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

Adrian Irimescu (), Bianca Maria Vaglieco, Simona Silvia Merola, Vasco Zollo and Raffaele De Marinis
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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

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-13

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.

Keywords: hydrogen fuel; spark ignition engine; vehicle retrofitting; fuel system (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: 2023
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