Hydrogen ICE vehicles are next generation of alternative fuel mobility

Hydrogen ICE Testing

HORIBA Automotive provides a wide range of testing solutions for future mobility technologies within the field of hydrogen internal combustion engine (hydrogen ICE) for vehicle development. For example the solutions are, emission analyzers and other measurement technologies, to facility safety measures, and automation software to ensure accurate data.

What is a hydrogen ICE?

Outline of hydrogen ICE

Hydrogen ICE vehicle the future of alternative fuel mobility

Hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICE) are gaining traction as an attractive pathway for decarbonization of the mobility sector and achieve carbon neutrality.
Development issues unique to hydrogen engines include the need to address combustion improvement, emission reduction, and safety measures.
Benefit of hydrogen ICE, is that it can utilize common parts, know-how, and development facilities of traditional gasoline and diesel engines.
When using existing development facilities, it is essential to update them to be hydrogen compatible in terms of both functionality and safety.

Hydrogen ICE in automotive applications

A hydrogen internal combustion engine or hydrogen ICE is an engine that uses hydrogen (H₂) as fuel. First, hydrogen is burned in the combustion chamber of the engine. Second, the power is obtained from the pressure generated during combustion. As a result, in complete combustion the chemical reaction produces only water without any carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Hence, making hydrogen engines an attractive pathway for decarbonization in transportation.

Further, hydrogen ICE can divert and utilize conventional gasoline and diesel engine parts, development environments, and common skill sets for internal combustion engines. Plus, hydrogen ICE is attractive as a means of utilizing hydrogen, because the purity requirements of the fuel are not as stringent as required for fuel cells.

For more information on fuel cell specific measurement products visit our FCEVs page, click here.

Challenges of hydrogen ICE for automotive

On the whole, development of hydrogen ICE will require a response to some challenges that are different from those of conventional internal combustion engines.

There are three major challenges for hydrogen ICE.

Combustion Optimization

Development of A/F and λ sensor
Suppression of abnormal combustion
Improved power output by supercharging, direct/high pressure injection
Prevention of deterioration caused by large amounts of moisture
Optimal map creation for hydrogen fuel characteristics
Hardware improvements

Aftertreatment Development

NOx reduction using catalysts (TWC /SCR /DOC, etc.) and EGR
Suppression of NH₃ formation by H₂/NOx reaction in TWC
Reduction of NH₃ slip from Urea SCR
Inhibition of PM/PN from blow-by gas
Suppression of N₂O generation in ASC
Inhibition of CO₂ generation from Urea and engine oil
Get the latest regulatory trends

Safety

In fact, rapid construction of safe testing environments for hydrogen ICE are required. These safety environments are necessary for dealing with exhaust containing high concentrations of moisture and unburned hydrogen. Thus, the following measures must be implemented through effective use of existing facilities and optimal investment.

Leakage countermeasures for injectors
Hydrogen concentration in crankcase management
Ensure reliability of parts against by-products
Countermeasures against hydrogen embrittlement

HORIBA Automotive Hydrogen ICE Measurement Solutions

We work together with customers to find solutions and offer a wide range of measurement testing products to solve their challenges.

The challenges and solutions of hydrogen ICE vehicle development

First, the need to accurately measure various gases generated during combustion to optimize combustion and reduce emissions.
- At HORIBA Automotive, we offer a wide range of analyzers including H₂, H₂O, NOx, NH₃, N₂O, CO₂, H₂O, PM, and PN.

Second, don’t have the measurement know-how to correctly measure hydrogen ICE.
- We also offer measurement technologies to accurately measure various components in exhaust gas containing high concentrations of moisture and unburned hydrogen.

Third, would like to get the latest information of regulations and trends related to hydrogen ICE.
- HORIBA Automotive supports customers by quickly getting information on regulatory requirements for hydrogen ICE emission test methods.

Lastly, want to maximize the use of existing facilities to make them compatible with hydrogen ICE in terms of both functionality and safety.
- We provide support for measures to deal with exhaust containing high concentrations of moisture and unburned hydrogen.

Examples of development and evaluation facilities for hydrogen ICE

Hydrogen ICE Facility Solutions for Vehicle Development

HyEVO

Correctly measure H₂ in exhaust gas containing high moisture with Wet

Accurate determination of combustion efficiency from unburned hydrogen

Highly accurate wet measurement eliminates error factors due to dry-wet conversion
High-speed response enables transient hydrogen gas concentration measurement
Safety design considering hydrogen characteristics

Click Here for HyEVO Product Page

MEXA-ONE IRLAM*

Correctly measuring combustion conditions to reduce NH₃

Supports exhaust gas reduction by correctly evaluating NH₃ generated during SCR reduction

Unparalleled response to stoichiometric and lean combustion changes
Wide range to accurately evaluate the peak during stoichiometric and lean combustion
Sampling technology to correctly measure NH₃ is also proposed (patent registered)