Optimization of powertrain layout to maximize benefits of an H2 internal combustion engine

In the ongoing race for Zero-CO2 or CO2-neutral powertrain solutions, the H2 combustion engine is gaining increasing interest, especially for commercial powertrain applications. Compared to full electric or fuel cell electric solutions, the H2 combustion engine uses existing and optimized production processes to a large extend and does not raise concerns about the raw materials required. To meet the challenges of H2 combustion engines, powertrain hybridization offers great potential. This can increase the attractiveness of the powertrain beyond its current focus. This article outlines how FEV has optimized the powertrain layout for various commercial engine use cases to resolve the trade-off between transient drivetrain performance and achieving near zero pollutant emission limits. The degree of hybridisation, different turbocharger tech-nologies, way of mixture formation (external and internal), and different exhaust gas aftertreat-ment layouts have been investigated using FEV’s dedicated H2 ICE simulation tool chain to identify tailored powertrain solutions for a variety of use cases. © 2022, VDI Verlag GMBH. All rights reserved.