Influence of water‐methanol injection and turbocharging on the performance of a hydrogen‐fueled spark ignition engine

Abstract

AbstractThis article presents a study that compares the performance and emission characteristics of a four‐stroke, four‐cylinder spark ignition (SI) engine fueled by gasoline and neat hydrogen. The engine was equipped with turbocharging to optimize ignition timing for power boosting and vaporized water–methanol injection to reduce emissions. Engine tests were conducted at speeds ranging from 2000 to 6000 rpm, with a fixed intake pressure and varying quantities of hydrogen and spark advance timings. The study compared the results of non‐turbocharged and turbocharged engines with water–methanol injection in terms of combustion, performance, and emissions. The findings showed that the turbocharged water–methanol hydrogen operation had a higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE) than its counterpart, while the brake power of the hydrogen engine operation increased with turbocharging but slightly decreased with water–methanol injection. Additionally, volumetric efficiency improved by 7% for turbocharged and 4% for water‐injected hydrogen engine operation compared to the counterpart. The cylinder pressure for turbocharging with water–methanol operation yielded 16.32% higher compared with counterpart gasoline engine operation. Finally, nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions were reduced with turbocharging and water–methanol injection compared to the counterpart non‐turbocharged hydrogen engine operation.