How do hydrogen combustion engines work?

In summary, hydrogen combustion engines work by combining hydrogen gas with oxygen in a combustion chamber, creating a controlled explosion that drives a piston and produces mechanical energy. This energy is then converted into motion, powering the engine and allowing it to perform work. The only byproduct of this process is water vapor, making hydrogen combustion engines a clean and sustainable option for powering vehicles and machinery. However, the production and storage of hydrogen presents challenges that must be addressed for widespread adoption of this technology.
  • #1
Pengwuino
Gold Member
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I was reading an article and they were talken about this new hydrogen hummer that will be powered by hydrogen. But it was a hydrogen combustion engine instead of a hydrogen electric vehicle. How does the combustion engine work? I thought hydrogen doesn't have that really quick explosive characteristic that gasoline does.
 
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  • #2
I was looking for a good link [that I thought I had] that discusses the practical engineering aspects of this which seem to be fairly well understood now, but in the mean time, this popped up:

Ford Introduces Hydrogen Engine to Market
By PEB based on Press Release from Ford
Feb 25, 2005

Ford Power Products (FPP), a division of Ford Powertrain Operations, introduces hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines (H2ICEs) to the industrial marketplace.

This move parallels Ford Motor Company's introduction of its first commercial hydrogen-powered shuttle bus. The E-450 shuttle bus is equipped with a 26-gallon equivalent, 5,000 pounds-per-square-inch hydrogen fuel tank with an expected range of about 150 miles. A modified 6.8-liter Triton V-10 internal combustion engine, that is supercharged and inter-cooled for maximum efficiency, propels the 12-passenger vehicle. With near-zero emissions, the E-450 shuttle bus will meet the most stringent applicable emissions standards. An initial pilot lease program has been established to place pre-production E-450 shuttle buses in target markets. [continued]
http://www.h2cars.biz/artman/publish/article_676.shtml
 
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  • #3
Also
Nine International Records With BMW Hydrogen Combustion Engine Officially Confirmed by FIA
By PEB based on Press Release from BMW
Dec 22, 2004

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The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile ( FIA) has officially confirmed the nine international records set by the BMW H2R for hydrogen-powered vehicles with a reciprocating engine. The records were set on September 19th at the BMW Testing Centre in Miramas in Southern France . "The confirmation of our nine international records by the FIA provides impressive evidence of the performance capacity of BMW hydrogen technology. BMW has written automobile history," says Prof. Dr. Burkhard Göschel, Member of the Board for Development and Purchasing, BMW AG. [continued]
http://www.h2cars.biz/artman/publish/article_648.shtml
 
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  • #4
It does have different properties than gasoline but they can be used to an advantage too since some of the properties offer the ability to optimize the engine for higher efficiency. In short, add H2 to a regular engine optimized for gasoline and it has roughly a 15% loss in power potential. Optimize the same engine displacement for H2 and now its a 15% advantage to use H2 over gasoline but now the engine would need special provisions to run regular gasoline.

One place of many doing this has put some of their stuff online, interesting if they can bring it to market:
http://www.unitednuclear.com/h2.htm
 
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  • #5
Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles

DOE’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity (AVTA) has teamed with Pinnacle West (holding company of Arizona Public Service) and Electric Transportation Applications (ETA) to construct and operate a hydrogen and compressed natural gas (H/CNG) generation and fueling facility in Phoenix, Arizona. The H/CNG facility provides pure hydrogen, pure CNG, or H/CNG blends to the various internal combustion engine (ICE) test vehicles. [continued]
http://avt.inel.gov/hydrogen.shtml
 
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  • #6
From Cliff's link:
...3. The 3rd option is simply the only way to go. There are materials call Hydrides that absorb Hydrogen like a sponge absorbs water. Typically, the tanks are filled with granulated Hydrides, and Hydrogen is pressurized into the material. Hydrides have many advantages over liquid & gas. One is that the density of the Hydrogen stored in the Hydride can be GREATER than that of liquid Hydrogen. This translates directly into smaller and fewer storage tanks.
Once the Hydride is "charged" with Hydrogen, the Hydrogen becomes chemically bonded to the chemical. Even opening the tank, or cutting it in half will not release the Hydrogen gas. In addition, you could even fire incendiary bullets through the tank and the Hydride would only smolder like a cigarette. It is in fact, a safer storage system than your Gasoline tank is.

Then how do you get the Hydrogen back out? To release the Hydrogen gas from the Hydride, it simply needs to be heated. This is either done electrically, using the waste exhaust heat, or using the waste radiator coolant heat...
 
  • #7
Hydrogen powered Corvette:

http://unitednuclear.com/h999.jpg


Information from: http://unitednuclear.com/h2.htm
 
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  • #8
Arctic Fox said:
Hydrogen powered Corvette:

http://unitednuclear.com/h999.jpg

*drooooools*
 
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  • #9
There is one thing that puzzles me about using 'hydride' storage for Hydrogen. That is, that this method has been known and apparently generating controversy for at least twenty five years. Is there anything new on it that would render the idea more practical Today? Has it simply been blocked by the petroleum industry? What is it's practical status?

KM
 
  • #10
Theres a lot of practical problems and i believe therhe are new developments. But of course, refining them into usable cost effective means takes many years. Petroleum industry is rather incapable of holding back new technologies in the end just like most industries.
 
  • #11
Biggest problem I'd seen is that the hydrides cannot handle expose to oxygen, so its a bit of a fragile storage medium that would be easy to render completely useless for H2 storage. The united nuclear website at one point had a description of the filling process where the lines, pump, and all fittings needed to be flushed with argon to avoid contamination from regular atmospheric air.

Hmm maybe some special membrane that only allows passage of H2 while blocking the larger molecules, the H2 filling filter? Apply a vacuum to the lines and fittings from the filling station to remove most atmospheric oxygen? Still sounds a little impractical but could be workable.
 

1. What is a hydrogen combustion engine?

A hydrogen combustion engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses hydrogen as its fuel source. It operates by mixing hydrogen gas with air and igniting it, causing a controlled explosion that creates mechanical energy to power the engine.

2. How is hydrogen used in a combustion engine?

In a hydrogen combustion engine, hydrogen gas is used as the primary fuel source instead of gasoline or diesel. It is injected into the engine's cylinders, where it is mixed with air and compressed. When ignited, the hydrogen and air mixture creates a powerful explosion, which drives the engine's pistons and generates mechanical energy.

3. What are the benefits of using a hydrogen combustion engine?

There are several potential benefits to using a hydrogen combustion engine. First and foremost, hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel, meaning it produces zero carbon emissions. This makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, hydrogen is abundant and can be produced using renewable energy sources, making it a more sustainable fuel option. Lastly, hydrogen combustion engines can be more efficient than traditional engines, resulting in better fuel economy and lower operating costs.

4. Are there any drawbacks to using a hydrogen combustion engine?

One major drawback to using a hydrogen combustion engine is the lack of infrastructure for refueling. Unlike gasoline or diesel, which are widely available at gas stations, hydrogen fueling stations are not yet as common. This can make it difficult for drivers to find a place to refuel their hydrogen-powered vehicles. Additionally, hydrogen is highly flammable and requires careful handling and storage.

5. Are hydrogen combustion engines a viable alternative to traditional engines?

While hydrogen combustion engines have the potential to be a viable alternative to traditional engines, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed before they can become mainstream. These include the development of a widespread refueling infrastructure, as well as advancements in hydrogen storage and production technologies. However, with ongoing research and development, hydrogen combustion engines could play a significant role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions.

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