Hyundai Doosan Infracore (HDI) is aiming to mass produce internal combustion engines (ICE) the use hydrogen as fuel in 2025. The firm is unveiling its prototype ICE power unit that runs on hydrogen in 2023, with full-scale testing planned for 2024, to be followed by full-scale mass production in 2025.
The firm has completed the design of its hydrogen ICE unit, an 11litre class engine that produces a power output of 300kW and a torque of 1700Nm at 2000RPM. It meets the Tier 5/Stage 5/Euro 7 regulations which require the emission to be 90% reduced to the current level to meet Zero CO2 (below 1g/kwh) and Zero Impact Emission (Zero Emission in EU).
Hydrogen engines are powered by low-purity hydrogen, making them durable, economical and energy-dense, which makes them the most suitable engine system for mid-to-large-sized vehicles and vehicles for long distances. A single charge of 10 minutes enables a distance of up to 500km, and HDI says that the units are 25-30% more economical than fuel cells or battery packs when vehicle price and maintenance costs are considered.
HDI plans to leverage its existing engine technology and facilities to reduce costs and accelerate commercialisation. The new hydrogen engines will be installed on commercial vehicles such as trucks and large buses, and construction equipment for validation by 2024, and full-scale mass production is planned for 2025.
HDI is also introducing EV battery packs and plug-in full hybrid powertrains so that customers will have power options.
HDI’s Head of the Engine Department, Kim Joong-soo, said, “Hydrogen internal combustion engines will be used in mid-to-large-sized commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and construction equipment and mid-to-large-sized power generators. We will put in the utmost effort to realise carbon neutrality in response to the eco-friendly market by developing green hydrogen-related technologies in line with increasingly strict carbon emission regulations.”
This development is one of several in the construction sector at present with regard to the use of hydrogen as fuel. Rival firms JCB and Liebherr have also unveiled their prototype ICE power units that use hydrogen, while engine maker Cummins is putting the finishing touches to its ICE unit using hydrogen also. Meanwhile, HDI has also recently unveiled its prototype fuel cell wheeled excavator, again using hydrogen as fuel.
