Optimization of Hydrogen Combustion in Diesel Engines: A CFD-Based Approach for Efficient Hydrogen Mixing and Emission Reduction

Hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICEs) have gained significant attention as a promising solution for achieving zero-carbon emissions in the transportation sector. This study investigates the conversion of a 2 L Diesel ICE into a lean hydrogen-powered ICE, focusing on key challenges such as hydr...

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Main Authors: Bogdan Suatean, Grigore Cican, Stephane Guilain, Guillermo De-Paz-Alcolado
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Fuels
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3994/6/2/27
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author Bogdan Suatean
Grigore Cican
Stephane Guilain
Guillermo De-Paz-Alcolado
author_facet Bogdan Suatean
Grigore Cican
Stephane Guilain
Guillermo De-Paz-Alcolado
author_sort Bogdan Suatean
collection DOAJ
description Hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICEs) have gained significant attention as a promising solution for achieving zero-carbon emissions in the transportation sector. This study investigates the conversion of a 2 L Diesel ICE into a lean hydrogen-powered ICE, focusing on key challenges such as hydrogen mixing, pre-ignition, combustion flame development, and NOx emissions. The novelty of this research lies in the specific modifications made to optimize engine performance and reduce emissions while utilizing the existing Diesel engine infrastructure. The study identifies several important design changes for the successful conversion of a Diesel engine to hydrogen, including the following: Intake port design: transitioning from a swirl to a tumble design to enhance hydrogen mixing; Injection and spark plug configuration: using a lateral injection system combined with a central spark plug to improve combustion; Piston design: employing a lenticular piston shape with adaptable depth to enhance mixing; Mitigating Coanda effect: preventing hydrogen issues at the spark plug using deflectors or caps; and Head design: maintaining a flat head design for efficient mixing, while ensuring adequate cooling to avoid pre-ignition. These findings highlight the importance of specific modifications for converting Diesel engines to hydrogen, providing a solid foundation for further research in hydrogen-powered ICEs, which could contribute to carbon emission reduction and a more sustainable energy transition.
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spelling doaj-art-e3dcd09da85946ec91eec469a7ee88be2025-08-20T02:20:57ZengMDPI AGFuels2673-39942025-04-01622710.3390/fuels6020027Optimization of Hydrogen Combustion in Diesel Engines: A CFD-Based Approach for Efficient Hydrogen Mixing and Emission ReductionBogdan Suatean0Grigore Cican1Stephane Guilain2Guillermo De-Paz-Alcolado3Horse Romania, Str. Preciziei 3G, 062204 Buhcarest, RomaniaNational Research and Development Institute for Gas Turbines COMOTI, 061126 Bucharest, RomaniaAmpere Renault Centre Technique de Lardy, 1, Allée Cornuel, 91510 Lardy, FranceHorse Spain, AV DE Madrid 72, 47008 Valladolid, SpainHydrogen internal combustion engines (ICEs) have gained significant attention as a promising solution for achieving zero-carbon emissions in the transportation sector. This study investigates the conversion of a 2 L Diesel ICE into a lean hydrogen-powered ICE, focusing on key challenges such as hydrogen mixing, pre-ignition, combustion flame development, and NOx emissions. The novelty of this research lies in the specific modifications made to optimize engine performance and reduce emissions while utilizing the existing Diesel engine infrastructure. The study identifies several important design changes for the successful conversion of a Diesel engine to hydrogen, including the following: Intake port design: transitioning from a swirl to a tumble design to enhance hydrogen mixing; Injection and spark plug configuration: using a lateral injection system combined with a central spark plug to improve combustion; Piston design: employing a lenticular piston shape with adaptable depth to enhance mixing; Mitigating Coanda effect: preventing hydrogen issues at the spark plug using deflectors or caps; and Head design: maintaining a flat head design for efficient mixing, while ensuring adequate cooling to avoid pre-ignition. These findings highlight the importance of specific modifications for converting Diesel engines to hydrogen, providing a solid foundation for further research in hydrogen-powered ICEs, which could contribute to carbon emission reduction and a more sustainable energy transition.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3994/6/2/27hydrogendieselCFDadaptationtumbleswirl
spellingShingle Bogdan Suatean
Grigore Cican
Stephane Guilain
Guillermo De-Paz-Alcolado
Optimization of Hydrogen Combustion in Diesel Engines: A CFD-Based Approach for Efficient Hydrogen Mixing and Emission Reduction
Fuels
hydrogen
diesel
CFD
adaptation
tumble
swirl
title Optimization of Hydrogen Combustion in Diesel Engines: A CFD-Based Approach for Efficient Hydrogen Mixing and Emission Reduction
title_full Optimization of Hydrogen Combustion in Diesel Engines: A CFD-Based Approach for Efficient Hydrogen Mixing and Emission Reduction
title_fullStr Optimization of Hydrogen Combustion in Diesel Engines: A CFD-Based Approach for Efficient Hydrogen Mixing and Emission Reduction
title_full_unstemmed Optimization of Hydrogen Combustion in Diesel Engines: A CFD-Based Approach for Efficient Hydrogen Mixing and Emission Reduction
title_short Optimization of Hydrogen Combustion in Diesel Engines: A CFD-Based Approach for Efficient Hydrogen Mixing and Emission Reduction
title_sort optimization of hydrogen combustion in diesel engines a cfd based approach for efficient hydrogen mixing and emission reduction
topic hydrogen
diesel
CFD
adaptation
tumble
swirl
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3994/6/2/27
work_keys_str_mv AT bogdansuatean optimizationofhydrogencombustionindieselenginesacfdbasedapproachforefficienthydrogenmixingandemissionreduction
AT grigorecican optimizationofhydrogencombustionindieselenginesacfdbasedapproachforefficienthydrogenmixingandemissionreduction
AT stephaneguilain optimizationofhydrogencombustionindieselenginesacfdbasedapproachforefficienthydrogenmixingandemissionreduction
AT guillermodepazalcolado optimizationofhydrogencombustionindieselenginesacfdbasedapproachforefficienthydrogenmixingandemissionreduction