Beijing: Chinese engine manufacturer Weichai Power has developed a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine for heavy-duty vehicles that has passed China’s toughest emissions certification, marking a step forward in the commercialisation of hydrogen-fuelled transport.
The 14.6-litre engine, named the WP15, received China VI emissions certification on July 3 after completing tests covering a wide range of operating conditions, including cold starts, idling and full-load, high-speed operation. The certification confirms the engine meets the country’s most stringent emission requirements for heavy-duty vehicles, Slashgear reported.
Unlike hydrogen fuel cell systems, the WP15 is a spark-ignition internal combustion engine that burns hydrogen directly in its cylinders. Weichai said the engine produces up to 600 horsepower and shares around 90% of its components with conventional internal combustion engines, helping reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs.
The company said the engine is designed for applications including long-haul trucks, mining dump trucks, port equipment, steel plant vehicles and large stationary power generators.
The WP15 uses direct hydrogen injection into the combustion chamber instead of conventional port injection. According to the company, the technology helps prevent backfiring and pre-ignition, two common challenges associated with hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines.
Hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines are gaining attention as an alternative to diesel in heavy-duty transport because they can leverage existing engine technology and manufacturing infrastructure while producing little or no carbon emissions at the point of use.
Industry experts say one of the technology’s main advantages is its compatibility with existing engine platforms, allowing manufacturers to adapt conventional diesel engines for hydrogen with relatively limited modifications.
The environmental benefits, however, depend on how hydrogen is produced. While hydrogen generated through electrolysis using renewable electricity, known as green hydrogen, produces minimal lifecycle emissions, most of today’s hydrogen is produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming, a process that emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide.
Growing emission regulations, particularly in Europe, are expected to support the adoption of hydrogen technologies in heavy-duty transport as manufacturers seek alternatives to conventional diesel engines to meet future carbon reduction targets.
