Automotive Engineering - April 2022 - 22

Keeping combustion
in the conversation
ADVANCED PROPULSION FEATURE
Another look at alt fuels
Those seeking to extend the viability of ICE also have
recharged the industry's sporadic interest in alternative
fuels - particularly for on- and offroad commercial-vehicle
applications. But there is alt-fuel potential
for certain specific light-duty vehicle segments,
too. Hydrogen, thanks to its potential to be derived
from CO2-neutral processes and the comparative
ease with which ICEs can be adapted to use it, is experiencing
renewed development focus as a zeroemissions
alternative fuel.
Toyota (which has proceeded cautiously in the EV
race) and Yamaha made news in February 2022 when
they announced Toyota had commissioned Yamaha
to adapt the automaker's production-vehicle 5.0L V8
to run on hydrogen. Modifications were made to the
injectors, cylinder heads, intake manifold and other
components, resulting in output of " up to 450 hp at
6,800 rpm and a maximum 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) at
3,600 rpm.
Several commercial-vehicle engine and vehicle
OEMs also have active programs for hydrogen fueling
of diesel engines. One of the most recent developments
was announced by Mahle Powertrain and offroad machinery
manufacturer Liebherr Machines Bulle SA. The collaboration involves
the use of Mahle's prechamber jet ignition system (MJI),
originally developed for gasoline applications.
" The challenge has been to get it to run with stable combustion
without resorting to reductions in compression ratios to avoid engine
knock and pre-ignition. Our common work with Liebherr suggests
we have the answer, " Mike Bunce, head of research for Mahle
Powertrain U.S., told SAE Media earlier this year.
Another option to keep light-duty diesel in the conversation
came in early 2022, when Audi (which has pledged to end ICE production
in 2033) announced production vehicles with V6 diesels
would be capable of using new hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a
biomass-to-liquid (BTL) fuel.
In addition to a 70-90% reduction in CO2
emissions, Audi said
HVO has a 30% higher cetane rating than fossil-based diesel.
For commercial vehicles, " The combustion engine is still the best
solution right now, " said FEV's Tomazic. " The infrastructure is there.
The energy density is there. Now, if we want to decarbonize fuel
and go to hydrogen, this can be done. Yes, there will be changes to
the engine system, to the engine hardware, to controls, to the aftertreatment
system, etc. But we know what needs to be done.
" What has to happen, of course, is that we have a hydrogen infrastructure, "
he said.
The Altair Enlighten Award
Great Minds Think Light.
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Automotive industry's only award dedicated to lightweighting
and sustainability celebrates a decade of innovation.
The Altair Enlighten Award honors the greatest sustainability and light weighting advancements that show successful
commitment in reducing the carbon footprint, mitigating water and energy consumption, as well as efforts in material
reuse and recycling. Sparking interest from industry, engineering, policymakers, educators, students, and the public alike,
this annual award provides an environment to share the latest technology innovations dedicated to sustainability.
Learn more and enter your submission today - altair.com/enlighten-award
In collaboration with
Media Partners
22 April 2022
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING

https://www.altair.com/enlighten-award/

Automotive Engineering - April 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automotive Engineering - April 2022