In an era where motorsport seeks greener alternatives without sacrificing performance, AVL RACETECH has taken a bold leap forward. It independently designed and built an entire racing engine in-house. The result? A 2-liter turbocharged marvel that harnesses hydrogen and cutting-edge water injection to deliver peak output previously thought unachievable for hydrogen-fueled engines.
Unlike most hydrogen engines that favor lean-burn technology to maintain safety and lower emissions, often at the cost of performance, AVL RACETECH took a different path. Their engine uses only a slight lean-burn approach and achieves an astonishing 150 kW per liter. This power output places the hydrogen engine squarely in the realm of current top-tier motorsport engines, while still adhering to clean energy principles.
“Realizing performance values at motorsport level with a hydrogen internal combustion engine is an incredibly complex technical challenge. But our prototype proves it can be done,” said Paul Kapus, Manager of Development for Spark Ignited Engines & Concept Cars at AVL.
Kapus also emphasized the practicality of hydrogen engines over fuel cell technology, noting that hydrogen combustion engines share much of their architecture with conventional gasoline engines, making them more economically viable for customer racing programs.
At the core of the engine’s success lies AVL’s advanced water injection system. This technique cools the combustion chamber and increases boost pressure by injecting water into the intake air. Not only does it optimize performance, but it also prevents pre-ignition, a common and damaging issue in high-stress engines.
To ensure the system runs smoothly, AVL applied sophisticated simulation models and 3D flow calculations, guaranteeing ideal airflow dynamics and structural integrity under extreme conditions. This technological backbone enabled the creation of a prototype that delivers both power and precision.
The prototype engine referred to as H?-ICE hits 500 Nm of torque between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm, running on stoichiometric combustion (with an air-fuel ratio of 1, or lambda = 1). It also incorporates a wastegate turbocharger tailored to hydrogen’s unique combustion profile, ensuring the engine breathes efficiently under high demands.
During a live demonstration at AVL’s Graz headquarters, the H?-ICE impressed spectators by reaching a peak output of 410 horsepower (301.7 kW) and an engine speed of 6,500 rpm. These figures weren’t theoretical goals; they were validated in real-time, on a hydrogen-adapted engine testbed.
“Our goals were 500 Nm of torque and an output of up to 300 kW (specific output of 150 kW/l). We are proud to have been able to validate those figures on the testbed,” Kapus confirmed.
Although the engine made headlines in 2022, its impact continues to resonate. Hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines offer a compelling middle ground between traditional ICEs and fully electric vehicles. With zero tailpipe emissions and the advantage of compatibility with existing engine technologies and fueling infrastructure, hydrogen combustion may prove a key player in the transition to sustainable transport.
