Changan breaks ahead in the hydrogen internal combustion engine
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In recent news, several domestic media outlets have reported that Chongqing Changan Automobile Company has successfully ignited a self-developed hydrogen internal combustion engine. This marks a significant milestone in China's growing interest in alternative energy solutions for the automotive industry.
Over the past few years, the development of new energy vehicles has been a hot topic in China, with various research results on pure electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies being widely covered. However, this is the first time that a hydrogen internal combustion engine product has been publicly acknowledged. Many people were unaware that Changan was working on such a project.
To understand more about this breakthrough, our reporter spoke with Dr. Zhan Yusong, Vice President of Changan Automobile Engineering Research Institute. According to Dr. Zhan, the project started two years ago. In September 2005, Changan and Beijing Institute of Technology jointly submitted the project to relevant government departments. By January 2006, it became the only hydrogen internal combustion engine project under the "863 Program" of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The project also received support from the National Science and Technology Commission, with an investment of approximately 10 million yuan so far, combining government funding and company resources.
The team involved includes over a dozen researchers at Changan’s New Energy Research Office, supported by other departments such as engine development, process engineering, and laboratories. Beijing Institute of Technology also contributed a dedicated R&D team led by Professor Liu Fushui. Additionally, several professional technology companies and component suppliers participated, providing calibration, gas supply, and electronic control systems to ensure the availability of specialized parts.
One of the key breakthroughs in the project is the development of an advanced electronic control system. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, hydrogen combustion requires a different approach due to the lack of lubricity in hydrogen. This necessitates technological innovations in multiple areas, including gas supply, mixing, combustion, and exhaust processes.
Dr. Zhan highlighted three major achievements: the creation of a prototype platform, the avoidance of tempering and surface combustion technology, and the development of an advanced electronic control system. The virtual prototype platform was built based on existing gas oil engine models, tailored to the unique characteristics of hydrogen. A physical prototype was also developed, involving the design of subsystems like the gas supply system, hydrogen injection system, and control system.
Precise control of the mixed gas concentration is crucial for stable performance under varying conditions. Given hydrogen’s high reactivity and potential explosiveness, maintaining safe and efficient operation remains a challenge. The electronic control system is considered the core achievement of the project, developed with full intellectual property rights and not merely following international trends.
Looking ahead, Dr. Zhan noted that while the successful ignition and initial prototype are important steps, the road to industrialization is still long. Future efforts will focus on improving the control and injection systems to reduce size and cost. Policy frameworks, safety standards, and infrastructure such as hydrogen production and refueling stations are also critical for mass adoption.
Dr. Zhan estimates that with the right policies, supporting facilities, and market acceptance, Changan could achieve mass production of hydrogen internal combustion engines by 2015.