Potential and limitations of an advanced spark-ignited H2 combustion concept

Hydrogen is a promising option to decarbonize energy conversion in internal combustion engines. It is easily produced from renewable energy sources via electrolysis during times of an oversupply of electricity and may be used for propulsion or power generation in internal combustion engines when electricity demand exceeds the supply.

Target:

The overall goal of this study is to experimentally investigate the potential and limitations of an advanced spark-ignited (SI) mixing-controlled hydrogen combustion concept with regard to engine performance, robustness and pollutant and CO2e emissions on a single-cylinder research engine (SCE)

Tasks (carried out in collaboration with a team of professional researchers at the LEC):

Conduct a literature study concerning the state-of-the-art of hydrogen combustion concepts, with a
focus on fuel direct injection
Get familiar with the experimental setup (test bed infrastructure, single-cylinder research engine,

fuel injection system, measurement technology and measurement parameters)
Use theoretical approaches (e.g., zero-dimensional high-pressure cycle simulation) to assess the

fundamental potential of the specific experimental setup employed in this study
Support setting up the research engine and carrying out the measurement campaign on the SCE

test bed (approximately 3 weeks in November 2026)
Post-process, analyze and evaluate the measurement data generated on the SCE test bed
Document the results
Writing the bachelor’s thesis

Starting date: To be agreed

Duration: Approximately 3 months

Contact:

Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nicole Wermuth, +43 (316) 873-30087, nicole.wermuth@lec.tugraz.at

Dr. Constantin Kiesling, +43 (316) 873-30092, constantin.kiesling@lec.tugraz.at

Keywords: Hydrogen, combustion concept, internal combustion engine, large engine, power generation, energy systems