Hydrogen as fuel in combustion engines

The course is designed to provide students with know-how and knowledge in the fundamentals of hydrogen as combustion engine fuel, of hydrogen-driven engines and gas turbines, and of the fuel system for hydrogen in marine and on-shore applications. The course is designed to provide students with know-how and knowledge in the fundamentals of hydrogen as combustion engine fuel, of hydrogen-driven engines, and of the fuel system for hydrogen in marine and on-shore applications.

Course contents

• Hydrogen as combustion engine fuel
• Hydrogen-driven engines
• Fuel system for hydrogen-driven power generation, incl. safety

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student can

• summarise the most important physical and chemical properties of hydrogen fuel
• compare properties of gaseous and liquid hydrogen
• list pros and cons of hydrogen as an engine fuel
• introduce and categorise hydrogen engine types
• describe the fuel injection methods of hydrogen-driven engines
• analyse the pros and cons of different hydrogen engines
• specify the emissions of hydrogen engines
• list issues to be considered regarding some components and structures of hydrogen engines
• list safety risks in hydrogen use and be aware of legislation and regulations applicable to the use of hydrogen
• name parts of the hydrogen fuel systems, including the safety system
• explain operation of the hydrogen fuel system
• describe options of hydrogen storage and their respective particularities.

The course develops the skills of problem solving and decision-making (calculations, analysing alternatives), critical and analytical thinking (assessment of solutions and techniques) and written communication, and promotes lifelong learning (complexities and trade-offs). The course also develops product development and marketing readiness.

Course material

• Heywood, J. (2018), Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals
• Woodyard, D. (ed.) (2021), Pounder’s Marine Diesel Engines and Gas Turbines
• Mollenhauer, K. und Tschöke, H. (eds.) (2010), Handbook of Diesel Engines
• van Basshuysen, R. and Schäfer, F. (eds.) (2016), Internal Combustion Engine Handbook
• European Industrial Gases Association (2019), Safety in storage, handling and distribution of liquid hydrogen Doc 06/19
• Det Norske Veritas DNV (2021), Handbook for hydrogen-fuelled vessels
• International Maritime Organization IMO (2016), IGF Code International code of safety for ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels
• van Basshuysen, R. und Schäfer, F. (Hrsg.) (2017), Handbuch Verbrennungsmotor
• Merker, G. P. und Teichmann, R. (Hrsg.) (2019), Grundlagen Verbrennungsmotoren

Supporting material:

• Selected laws, regulations and standards.
• Recorded video lectures, material is on the Moodle platform. Handouts, lecture notes, exercises.

Completion methods

You can study the course at your own pace.

The course has an online final written exam. Intermediates and brief assignments might have fixed schedules. Moodle Exams are open on week 9 (24.2.-2.3.), week 13 (24.3.-30.3.) and week 17 (21.4.-27.4.).

Approximate working hours: lectures, exercises, discussions plus self-directed reading and problem solving, in total 135 hours.

More information in the University of Vaasa study guide.

You can get a digital badge after completing this course.

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