Comprehensive Engine Testing Methodologies for Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Validation with Combustion & Performance Evaluation techniques

Validation of hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine (H2 ICE) is critical to assess its feasibility as sustainable transportation with zero carbon emissions. This experimental analysis conducted on Ashok Leyland's 6cylinder 2V engine to evaluate the engine performance & durability with hydrogen fuel. Combustion behaviour of hydrogen ICE needs to be closely monitored during continuous operation of validation testing, due to its unique properties compared to other conventional fuels. During engine run, a pre-ignition source can cause knock event leading to instant failure of critical parts like piston assembly, spark plug, liner, valves & cylinder head. Also, hotspots inside IMF leads to backfire affecting the air intake & fuel injection assembly. This study emphasizes the significance of precise instrumentation of thermocouples across engine on cylinder head, intake manifold & exhaust manifold, to detect performance detoriation and combustion abnormalities causing knocking & backfire. Crankcase ventilation system design plays a critical role in evacuating the blowby gas from engine block. This paper explains methodology to measure the moisture condensation from blowby gas, as it leads to oil emulsification. Experimental data shows variation in inlet manifold air temperature directly impacts engine power as H2 ICE operates at higher stoichiometric ratio. Increase in air intake temperature from turbo compressor out is a result of barometric temperature and pressure variation. This measurement is critical to understand the engine performance variation in real-time operating condition. Hence validation of H2 ICE necessitates a specialized instrumentation during testing to monitor the performance parameters and hardware detoriation. This research provides critical insights into the procedural adaptations required for H2 ICE testing and validation by integrating frugal instrumentation with experimental analysis. This study offers a robust framework for assessing engine performance, reducing operational risks, and ensuring test results reliability. These findings contribute to the design & development of hydrogen-fuelled engines, facilitating their adoption as a sustainable alternative for transportation while addressing durability, emissions, and regulatory compliance challenges.