BMW Group's Forschung und Technik division and researchers at Graz University of Technology in Austria plus two other Austrian partners are working on a new hydrogen-based powerplant capable of delivering very low fuel consumption while reducing CO2 emissions to minimum.
In essence, the hydrogen unit, which is said to bring efficiency figures similar to those provided by a diesel engine, relies on spark-ignition and diesel combustion. Moreover, using direct-injection technologies sourced from HOERBIGER ValveTec GmbH, the researchers claim the injectors can bring hydrogen into the combustion engine at a total pressure of 300 bar.
Even though it’s a bit too early to talk about official figures, BMW mentioned in a press statement that the hydrogen-based unit can develop a power of up to 100 kilowatt (134 hp) per liter displacement.
“As the exhaust gas heat of internal combustion engines can be used well due to the high temperature levels, further increases in overall efficiency will be possible in the future as a result of waste heat utilization,” BMW explained in the same statement.
"In light of the limited availability of fossil fuels and the rising environmental impact from harmful emissions, we are convinced that the H2 combustion engine will assume an important position in the product portfolio of future alternative drive concepts. It will crucially contribute to safeguarding our individual mobility at the high level the customer expects," said Professor Dr. Raymond Freymann, Managing Director of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH.
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