Sustainable energy company, Ricardo, has delivered a hydrogen-fuelled research engine to global engine specialist Cummins and automotive supplier BorgWarner as part of Project BRUNEL part funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). The research engine is specifically designed to burn only hydrogen – with no supporting fuels that could give rise to any carbonaceous or excessive air quality emissions.
The project aims to support internal combustion engine (ICE) sub-system suppliers to increase their use of hydrogen as an alternative zero-emissions fuel solution across the light commercial vehicle market.
Ricardo has provided an engine based on its world-renowned series of single-cylinder research units, which can help the research teams evaluate a wide variety of fuels. The engine is designed to help engineers evaluate a variety of injector types and will support increased fuel efficiency, reduced air quality emissions, and the move towards carbon-free heavy-duty propulsion.
“The research engine delivered by Ricardo will enable the BRUNEL consortium to push hydrogen combustion technology to the next level, ensuring the cleanest possible combustion while delivering high performance and increased efficiency. The project is a fantastic opportunity for the partner companies to leverage their existing knowledge to meet the challenges of zero-carbon transportation here in the UK,” said Matt Shillito, Senior Project Delivery Lead, APC.
