Efficient vehicles propelled by hydrogen

Research Project, 2024 – 2025

This project proposal is a collaboration between Jonas Sjöblom at Energy Conversion and Propulsion Systems (M2 department) and Louise Olsson and Derek Creaser at Chemical Engineering (K department). Hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICE) are being strongly promoted as a potential substitute for conventional fuel engines to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There is a large industrial interest in using hydrogen combustion engines due to the ability to leverage existing internal combustion engine technologies, quick refueling times, and the clear reduction in the use and necessity for limited supply elements like lithium and nickel, as stated by Toyota. However, since the hydrogen is very reactive it can cause knocking and uncontrolled combustion events and research in this area is therefore critical and is one part of the project. In addition, the formation of NOx is unavoidable from ICE. NOx causes acidification, smog and is also toxic for humans and it is therefore essential to remove NOx emissions, which we also will work with in this project. The project is focusing on interdisciplinary research combining efforts on hydrogen engine research (Conversion and Propulsion Systems) with research focusing on cleaning emissions from hydrogen engines (Chemical Engineering). Moreover, research relating to the usage of ammonia as an energy carrier will be performed, focusing on ammonia dissociation to produce hydrogen. In addition, a collaboration with University of College in London (UCL) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany is planned. The applied funding in this project will be used for: (i) further develop the kinetic modelling program for simulating the aftertreatment system when using hydrogen engines, (ii) examine solutions for particulate removal from hydrogen engines, (iii) writing proposals in the area to increase the research effort on hydrogen engines at Chalmers and (iv) write proposal for increasing the research relating to ammonia as an hydrogen carrier (v) collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Wang at UCL and Dr. Doronkin at KIT regarding synchrotron in-situ experiments, which could take advantage of the facilities in Max Lab in Lund.