Hydrogen Combustion Gifhorn

The recent tightening of the CO2 limit values in the transport sector once again demonstrates the need to push ahead with the development of emission-free propulsion technologies. Hydrogen internal combustion engines are particularly attractive for heavy-duty vehicles because they open up another path for entry into H2 mobility. Hydrogen combustion is being tested at the IAV site in Gifhorn, where truck engines weighing up to 7 tons can be tested.

Within the wide-ranging testing infrastructure of IAV, test bench 13 is the largest system. With a power output of up to 1,470 kW, the electric machine loads the test sample (hydrogen internal combustion engine) at a maximum torque of 7,000 Newton to 2,000 revolutions per minute. The maximum speed is 4,500 revolutions per minute.

Temperatures of plus 15 to 35 degrees Celsius can be set in the test chamber. Environmental conditions can be simulated as in the open field. For example, the cooling water for the internal combustion engine can be conditioned from 6 degrees to 115 degrees Celsius. For charge air cooling, IAV uses turbines or uses water air coolers.

During the test setup, the motor receives different temperature and pressure measuring points. In the exhaust system, for example, up to 1,250 degrees Celsius can be measured. The pressure measuring points can hold values in the division from minus 5 to plus 100 bar.

A total of 128 channels are available for the recording of physical measured variables.

At the same time, IAV always simulates the complete vehicle on the test bench, according to the requirements of the engine to be tested and when any control units are integrated. With the help of an application system, for example INCA from ETAS, IAV experts can modify data and measure the reaction of the engine.

The test bench is supplied with hydrogen via a separate line. The internal combustion engine can currently be supplied with a maximum of 50 kg/h at 30 bar. The system is currently in a second stage of construction, after which a test specimen can be supplied with a maximum pressure of 80 bar at the end of 2021. At the same time, the tank system is being expanded and the hydrogen storage volume tripled.