HYDROGEN AS A FUEL FOR SPARK IGNITED ENGINES

A review is made of published experimental work on engines operating on hydrogen only as a fuel. Most of this work has been done with the Waukesha CFR engine which, even in its high speed form, operates only up to 1800 rpm (30 rps). Providing steps are taken to avoid "back-firing" into the intake system, hydrogen can be used up to about 10 to 1 compression ratio even at stoichiometric mixture strength. Due, principally, to the amount of air displaced by the hydrogen compared with the partially gasified petrol charge the power output with a hydrogen fuelled engines is only about 80% that of the equivalent petrol engine. Suggestions are made for further studies which are essential if hydrogen is to be used successfully for automotive purposes. The first priority is a more extensive study of the "back-firing" phenomenon coupled with an extension of tests to much higher operating speeds.

• Corporate Authors:

  Ricardo and Company Engineers Limited

  Bridge Works, Shoreham-by-Sea
  Sussex BN4 5FG,   England 
• Authors:
  • Beard, C A
• Publication Date: 1976-2

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 18 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Combustion; Energy resources; Hydrogen fuels; Internal combustion engines
• Old TRIS Terms: Combustion processes; Fuel sources
• Subject Areas: Energy; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00157223
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DP.20933
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 4 1977 12:00AM