Starting in 2035, power plants are expected to predominantly switch to green hydrogen. However, there is currently a lack of technically mature engines suitable for this sustainable energy carrier. To address this gap, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) and Rolls-Royce Power Systems have launched the cooperative project Phoenix. The aim of this project is to develop a prototype for a new generation of hydrogen engines. The goal is to create an engine that achieves the same power density and efficiency in hydrogen operation as in natural gas operation.
Within the framework of the Phoenix project (Performance Hydrogen Engine for Industrial and X), an innovative generation of hydrogen engines for power plants is being developed. These engines are intended to produce the same electrical and thermal energy (power density and efficiency) as currently available natural gas engines for the first time. The objective is to fully convert the planned 10 GW of power plants to hydrogen operation by 2040.
New Components for Greater Efficiency
The three-year Phoenix joint project aims to develop a mature technological concept for a prototype hydrogen engine. Participants include the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Rolls-Royce Power Systems, the Technical University of Munich, MAHLE Industrial Engine Components GmbH, FUCHS Lubricants GmbH, and the Bosch Large Engine business unit. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action with a total of almost 5 million euros.
The project partners are working on redesigning all necessary components for the highly efficient hydrogen engine, including the injection system, the piston group, and the ignition system. A particular challenge is the development of special lubricants suitable for hydrogen combustion.
A central technical issue is the susceptibility to combustion anomalies in hydrogen engines. "Hydrogen, compared to natural gas, is more prone to pre-ignition, which can lead to high pressure spikes," explains Enis Askar from BAM's Hydrogen Competence Center. These anomalies can negatively impact the engine's efficiency and lifespan. The project, therefore, investigates the role of lubricants in these processes and tests various formulations to achieve optimal results.
