An outstanding 205 bhp/liter hydrogen-powered, two-liter turbocharged ICE prototype from AVL Racetech has been unveiled. The engine was created in collaboration with the Hungarian HUMDA Lab. The company wants to dispel the myth that H2 ICE cannot perform as well as gasoline-powered engines.
The prototype engine was tested using an engine testbed customized for hydrogen at the AVL headquarters in Graz, Austria. It produced 410bhp (301.7kW) of peak power at 6,500 rpm and 500Nm of torque at 3000–4000 rpm, which corresponds to a mean pressure (BMEP) of 32 bar.
We have announced our initiative to develop a two-liter hydrogen-powered racing engine with stoichiometric combustion with PFI water injection around the end of 2022. manager Paul Kapus, manager of development, spark-ignited engines, AVL, said. 500Nm of torque and a maximum output of 300kW (specific output 150kW/l) were our objectives. We are pleased to have verified those numbers on the testbed.
In order to prevent unwanted early ignition, the engine has a sophisticated PFI water injection system that injects extra water into the intake air. The air-fuel ratio no longer falls into the lean zone when it reaches 1. A turbocharger made specifically for the engine can handle the air demand, which is lower than with lean combustion. In-depth simulations carried out in advance by AVL showed a strong correlation with the data gathered from the testbed. The next development step is to put the new engine design to the test on a racetrack.
“The results achieved by our H2 racing engine confirm that we are able to deliver an extremely competitive package with this technology,” said Ellen Lohr, director of motorsport at AVL. AVL Racetech wants to steer motorsport toward a sustainable future. We have moved one step closer to realizing this objective with the creation of the first race engine under our own name, a high-performance H2 ICE.
FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is AVL’s latest innovation, and what does “H2 ICE” stand for?
A1: AVL has recently introduced a groundbreaking H2 ICE, which stands for Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine. It’s a hydrogen-powered engine designed to challenge preconceptions about hydrogen engine performance compared to gasoline.
Q2: Can you tell me more about this hydrogen-powered engine’s specifications?
A2: AVL’s prototype H2 ICE was tested at their Graz, Austria headquarters. It delivered a remarkable 410bhp (301.7kW) of peak power at 6,500 rpm and 500Nm of torque at 3000–4000 rpm, with a mean pressure (BMEP) of 32 bar.
Q3: Who collaborated with AVL in developing this innovative engine?
A3: AVL worked alongside the Hungarian HUMDA Lab to create this hydrogen-powered marvel.
Q4: What makes this engine unique and high-performing?
A4: The engine features a sophisticated PFI water injection system to prevent early ignition, allowing for optimal combustion. Additionally, it boasts a specific output of 150kW/l, ensuring outstanding performance.
Q5: How does AVL plan to use this engine in motorsport?
A5: Ellen Lohr, Director of Motorsport at AVL, believes this technology will provide a competitive edge in motorsport, aligning with AVL Racetech’s goal of promoting sustainability in racing.
Q6: What’s next for AVL’s H2 ICE technology?
A6: AVL is planning to test this engine design on a racetrack as the next step in its development.
Q7: What does this unveiling mean for the future of high-performance engines?
A7: AVL’s achievement with the H2 ICE marks a significant step towards a sustainable future for high-performance engines and motorsport.
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