A zero-carbon hydrogen fuelled compression ignition engine for heavyduty transport applications

Heavy-duty applications (e.g., long haul trucks, container/tanker/bulk carrier ships etc) are notoriously challenging to decarbonize. Electrification through batteries is far from a technologically mature solution and there are many challenges to be tackled. This explains why all the UK, EU and elsewhere have adopted a technology-neutral approach to allow the different technologies to develop and compete against each other.

Hydrogen can be produced from a wide variety of available feed stocks and energy resources, many of which are renewable and/or have (ultra)-low carbon impact. The clear benefits and the versatility of hydrogen have led several of the world’s advanced economies to develop strategies for the development of local (national) hydrogen economies; see for instance Refs. [1-2] for the UK, Ref. [3] for Australia and Ref. [4] for the EU.

With hydrogen as a fuel, there are two main options for use for propulsion purposes. On one hand, fuel cells that use hydrogen are attractive because of their efficiency and their emissions (only water). On the other hand, they are currently compromised due to cost and durability concerns. The second option is to use hydrogen in an internal combustion engine (ICE) [5-6]. Many industry stakeholders recently announced R&D initiatives that aim to explore the use of hydrogen as a main fuel in ICEs; see for instance MAN Energy Solutions [7-8], Cummins [9], the Hydrogen Engine Alliance [10], BMW Group [11], DAF [12].

The current project concerns the development of a zero-carbon compression ignition (CI) hydrogen- fueled thermal engine technology that aims to decarbonise heavy duty applications through retrofitting. The novel technology makes use of modern low temperature combustion strategies and will potentially have negligibly low NOx emissions along with a unique operational flexibility and high efficiency, all features that no hydrogen-based technology has managed to achieve yet, especially for heavy duty applications.

In this project multidimensional engine simulations will be utilised, which will allow for: (i) The realistic determination of the engine performance, i.e., power, torque, thermal/fuel efficiency as well as NOx emissions, under low, medium and high load conditions and a range of engine speeds. (ii) The identification of the associated limitations and challenges, particularly related to engine knock, pre- ignition, in-cylinder pressure rise and backfire, in terms of the mixture composition, the thermodynamic conditions and the injection strategy.

The investigation will focus on variables relevant to the engine performance (IMEP, thermal / combustion / volumetric efficiency), combustion phasing (heat release rate, ignition delay time, mass fraction burned, CAD50, combustion duration), maximum temperature and pressure, specific fuel/energy consumption, NOx emissions and unburned H2, abnormal combustion (ringing intensity, pressure rise rate). The validated simulation methodology will be sufficient for industrial utilization when designing new H2 engines with a range of fuel injection strategies.

Academic qualifications 

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Marine Engineering.

English language requirement 

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language. 

Application process 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr Stathis Tingas ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

The application must include:  

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about 

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results. 
• Research questions or 
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods. 
• List of references 

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support. 

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project. 
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate. 
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates. 
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here. 

Applications can be submitted here.

Download a copy of the project details here.