As part of Project BRUNEL, which is partially supported by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Ricardo has delivered a hydrogen-fueled research engine to global engine expert Cummins and automotive supplier BorgWarner (APC).
In regard to diesel and alternative fuel engines, generators, and associated parts and technologies, Cummins is a world authority. The design and construction of systems for conventional and electrified propulsion types, including injection equipment for conventional and renewable fuels, are specialties of BorgWarner, a Tier 1 automotive supplier. Recently, BorgWarner declared its desire to separate its Fuel Systems division. PHINIA Inc. is the intended name of the business. PHINIA is anticipated to be a market leader in distribution, starters, alternators, and fuel systems.
The project’s goal is to assist manufacturers of internal combustion engine (ICE) sub-systems in expanding their usage of hydrogen as a substitute for traditional fossil fuels that emit no emissions in the light commercial vehicle market.
The engine is particularly made to burn solely hydrogen, without any auxiliary fuels that can result in excessive or carbonaceous emissions that could harm the environment.
In order to assist the research teams in evaluating a wide range of fuels, Ricardo, an expert in hydrogen technology and integration, has given an engine based on its renowned line of single-cylinder research units. The engine is intended to enable greater fuel efficiency, lower air quality emissions, and the transition to carbon-free heavy-duty propulsion while assisting engineers in evaluating a number of injector types.
“We were thrilled to work as part of a consortium of internationally known enterprises to develop a new hydrogen propulsion engine,” said Matt Beasley, President of Established Mobility at Ricardo. The project, which again highlights our knowledge and experience in hydrogen technologies where we are collaborating with a variety of customers to create clean, effective solutions, has been made possible via strong collaboration amongst the organizations involved. Our engineering specialists provide hydrogen advice to clients in the automotive, industrial, aerospace, and many other fields. We anticipate supporting developments in the use of this technology in the future.
“Ricardo’s contribution to this joint R&D project underlines the world-class capability of the UK automotive sector as the industry continues to pivot toward sustainable, zero-carbon propulsion technology,” said Matt Shillito, Senior Project Delivery Lead, APC. The BRUNEL partnership will be able to advance hydrogen combustion technology thanks to the research engine that Ricardo provided. It will guarantee the cleanest combustion while providing great performance and increased efficiency. The initiative is an excellent chance for the partner businesses to make use of their current expertise to address the difficulties of zero-carbon mobility in the UK.
