A hydrogen test bench has been constructed by the ORECA Group for its engine business in Magny-Cours. France is the first country to create an H2 combustion competition engine.

The ORECA-developed hydrogen combustion engine project seeks to replace conventional gasoline or diesel fuel in thermal engines with hydrogen (H2) as a source of energy. Instead of injecting hydrogen gas into the intake duct, this will be done directly into the combustion chamber. In contrast to the combustion of carbon fuels, the combustion of hydrogen does not produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and can significantly lower (by 50%) the level of NOx emissions (nitrogen oxides) and the level of particulates emitted (by 80%). This allows us to respond to the challenges associated with ecological transition.

The goal of this project is to adapt an internal combustion engine designed to burn a liquid fuel of the petrol type so that it can also burn hydrogen. This calls for a number of innovations through redefining the combustion chamber and the air and hydrogen supply systems, including modifying the cylinder head and pistons, adapting the turbocharger, making changes to the gas injector, and ultimately identifying any potential effects of the use of hydrogen on all mechanical components with which it comes into contact. Due to the high need for environmentally friendly solutions, these research and development components are predominantly concentrated on the motorsport industry.

The engine division of the ORECA Group has outfitted one of its engine test benches with a full hydrogen supply system in order to carry out this new project. It consists of a mechanism for providing hydrogen to the bench’s interior and an exterior storage platform. Additionally, it incorporates all the sensors and safety features necessary for the use of hydrogen (ATEX zone). This hydrogen test bench can be used to test fuel cell-equipped powertrains as well as internal combustion engines made of hydrogen, such as those being developed by ORECA.