Experimental Evaluation and Quasi-dimensional Modeling of Hydrogen Combustion for Sustainable Maritime Applications

The objectives of this study are to enhance the understanding of hydrogen ignition and combustion in large bore, high-speed engines and to develop a heat release model for hydrogen combustion in large bore engines that can be used for NOx emissions predictions and 1D simulation-based performance optimization.
For this, experimental investigations of hydrogen combustion were performed on a single-cylinder large bore research engine featuring an open chamber combustion concept with spark ignition and port fuel injection. Quasi-dimensional modeling was based on well-established natural gas open chamber combustion models and hydrogen combustion properties, like
laminar flame speed. Data from the experimental investigations were used for model adjustments and refinement and to validate the predictability of the developed model.
Potential improvement areas of the hydrogen combustion concept, particularly with regard to the hydrogen ignition and early combustion phase will be presented and the validity and limitations of the developed heat release model will be assessed.