WaVe

The WaVe project is researching the development of low-pollutant and efficient hydrogen combustion concepts for use in commercial vehicles. The focus is on designing an H₂ combustion process for engines that reduces combustion chamber temperature and nitrogen oxide emissions through high charge dilution. TFD, ivb at TU Braunschweig, and industry partner IAV are working together to implement a sustainable, robust, and CO₂-free drive concept based on renewable hydrogen.

 

Motivation and objectives

Hydrogen combustion offers a greenhouse gas-neutral and low-pollutant alternative to conventional fuels and is a robust and cost-effective option, especially for larger commercial vehicles. In order to comply with future emission limits, the combustion chamber temperature must be reduced by means of significant charge dilution without compromising engine performance. This requires a specially adapted H₂ combustion process and a charging system that meets the specific requirements of hydrogen combustion. Preliminary investigations have shown that the necessary pressure conditions cannot be achieved with a conventional single-stage turbocharger, making it necessary to develop new charging concepts.

 

The project therefore aims to develop a charging system consisting of a turbocharger and an additional electrically driven axial compressor stage, which supports operation in the lower speed range and near full load. The basic charging concept was initially developed at TFD, and preliminary design work is currently underway to determine the dimensions of the axial stage. The next step will be to conduct numerical investigations to verify the suitability of the axial compressor stage for the specific requirements of hydrogen combustion. The results will provide a basis for subsequent technological implementation within the framework of industrial development processes.

Responsible institute

The project is managed by the Institute for Turbomachinery and Fluid Dynamics.

 

Partner institutions

The project is supported by the IAV.