Basic components for H2 heavy-duty combustion engines

Research into alternative fuels to reduce pollutant emissions is still needed in order to meet climate targets. With hydrogen, CO₂-neutral operation is possible, although hydrogen combustion in the reciprocating piston engine not only poses new challenges in terms of combustion, but also with regard to the sealing of the combustion chamber and the wear of the piston group. Among other things, higher pressure increases and temperatures due to faster combustion speeds worsen the tribological boundary conditions and increase the demands on sealing.

In this project, these requirements of H₂ combustion are to be determined and specific new loads on the tribological system defined. In collaboration with the Institute of Internal Combustion Engines (IFKM) at the University of Karlsruhe, the various aspects of the tribological boundary conditions, blowby and reverse blowby are being investigated and the measures for optimum wear resistance, sealing and efficiency are being summarised.

In this project, the ITV uses the friction-rotation-wear tribometer (RRV) and the single-cylinder research engine for the tribological investigation of the piston group (floating liner).