HyEVO user interview for hydrogen engine testing

Hydrogen Testing

Hydrogen Engine Testing with HyEVO

Improving Accuracy and Safety in Hydrogen Engine Research

Hydrogen engine testing at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has advanced significantly thanks to HORIBA’s Hydrogen Analyzer HyEVO. In this interview, Dr. Hyunwook Park, Senior Researcher at KIMM, explains how HyEVO has enabled accurate low-concentration measurement, simplified workflows, and improved safety in hydrogen engine research. The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) is a world-class research institute in South Korea, dedicated to addressing global challenges in carbon neutrality, climate technology, energy conversion, and mobility.

KIMM research team with HORIBA’s Hydrogen Analyzer HyEVO used for hydrogen engine testing

Dr. Hyunwook Park, Dr. Junsun Lee, and HORIBA Korea sales representatives

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Dr. Hyunwook Park’s Research Focus: Carbon-Free Heavy-Duty Engines

I develop carbon-free engines for heavy-duty applications.

The overall direction toward carbon-free engines has become clear in recent years. For passenger cars, the trend has shifted to hybrid engines and battery-electric vehicles. In contrast, heavy-duty vehicles such as tractors weighing 20 tons or more—the focus of my research—are increasingly powered by hydrogen engines.

HyEVO: Overcoming Key Challenges in Hydrogen Engine Testing

Dr. Park (Senior Researcher, KIMM) with the HyEVO used for hydrogen engine testing

Dr. Hyunwook Park (Senior Researcher, KIMM) with the HyEVO

  1. Low Concentration Measurement
    For hydrogen engine development, it is necessary to analyze both blow-by gas and exhaust gas. Blow-by gas typically contains hydrogen at concentration of 0–5%, while exhaust gas contains much lower concentration (0–2000 ppm).

    Many analyzer manufacturers only provide measurement ranges of 0–5%. Such analyzers are inadequate for accurately measuring hydrogen in exhaust gas at the low 0–2000 ppm range. 

    Note: Blow-by gas refers to gas that escapes from the combustion chamber through the gap between the piston and cylinder into the crankcase.
     
  2. Measuring Hydrogen Combustion Efficiency
    In engine testing, the concentration of unburned fuel in exhaust gas is critical for determining combustion efficiency. However, few analyzers are capable of accurately measuring hydrogen fuel efficiency.
     
  3. Warm-up Time
    Warm-up time is also essential for efficient daily testing. I once used an analyzer that required eight hours to warm up—meaning that if it was switched on in the morning, it would not be ready until the end of the workday.
     

That’s when I came across HORIBA’s Hydrogen Analyzer HyEVO.

Why KIMM Chose HORIBA HyEVO

Hydrogen Engine Testing with HyEVO at Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM)

Testing at Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM)

  1. Accurate Measurement at Low Concentration
    What impressed me most was HyEVO’s ability to measure hydrogen at low concentration (0–2000 ppm) with high accuracy, while simultaneously measuring blow-by gas concentration.
     
  2. Direct Measurement Without Dehumidification
    HyEVO allows direct measurement of exhaust gas with a moisture concentration of up to 35%, without dehumidification (removal of moisture from the sample gas). With other analyzers, the exhaust gas must first be dehumidified, and the hydrogen concentration recalculated—an additional step HyEVO eliminates.
  3. Short Warm-up Time
    Warm-up time is also essential for efficient daily testing. Traditional analyzers can take many hours to reach optimal operation—meaning if you switch one on in the morning, it may not be ready until the end of the workday. HORIBA’s Hydrogen Analyzer, HyEVO, requires only about three hours of warm-up before testing. Even better, when left in standby mode, it is ready within an hour. You can leave it in standby during lunch breaks or overnight, so testing can begin almost immediately when needed.
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Application Example: Enhancing Hydrogen Engine Safety

One of the biggest challenges in hydrogen engine development is hydrogen’s low ignition threshold—it can ignite at concentration as low as 4%, leading some to refer to this as a “hydrogen bomb” risk.

When we measured blow-by gas with HyEVO, the concentration in the engine crankcase exceeded 4%. Although the chance of an ignition source in the crankcase is low, this situation still presents a fire risk.

Thanks to HyEVO’s wide measurement range—from 0–5% and down to 0–2000 ppm—we were able to develop and install additional equipment that improved safety levels significantly.

The Future of Hydrogen Engine Development and HORIBA's Role

High-accuracy, high-resolution hydrogen gas analyzer designed to support the development of the hydrogen supply chain and hydrogen engine testingEngine technologies are evolving rapidly, with new systems emerging that utilize hydrogen, ammonia, and other carbon-free fuels. These are being applied across biomass systems, carbon-neutral ships, and power generators.

Whenever new technologies arise, new measurement devices are required. As a leading analytical instrument manufacturer with a global customer base, HORIBA is in a strong position to access market trends and technical information early.

We would greatly value HORIBA’s active sharing of such insights. Early access to information about upcoming analytical instruments would be particularly beneficial for researchers like us who work at the initial stages of development.

We look forward to continued collaboration with HORIBA, exchanging information on the latest technologies and advancing the development of next-generation engines.

Optimize Your Hydrogen Engine Research with HyEVO. 
Accurately measure low-concentration hydrogen and improve safety in your engine testing.
Contact HORIBA or view the HyEVO product page.

About The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) was established in 1976 as a world-class research organization in South Korea. KIMM addresses global challenges across carbon neutrality, climate technology, energy conversion, and mobility innovation.

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials

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