The ignition ceremony for GAC's first hydrogen engine was held at Tianjin University on September 5, 2021. Professor Gao Wenzhi from the State Key Laboratory of Engines (Tianjin University), Dean Wu Jian from GAC R&D center, as well as some main members of the hydrogen engine research and development team attended the ceremony.

Team members witnessed the success of GAC's first hydrogen engine starting.

During the ceremony, Wu introduced the development of GAC hydrogen power and the first hydrogen engine technology. The engine is self-dependently developed based on GAC's fourth-generation engine platform, and GAC Group possesses completely independent intellectual property rights. On the basis of mastering the core technology of hydrogen engine, GAC R&D center has achieved a number of innovative achievements, such as a newly-developed combustion chamber, which improves the mixing uniformity of hydrogen and air, a newly-developed hydrogen supply system, which improves the power density and reduces the risk of hydrogen leakage, a spark plug, which improves the heat dissipation and avoids pre-ignition or the other abnormal combustion, and a newly-developed turbo-charge system, which reduces the gas intake resistance and improves the charging efficiency.

Besides, the reliability of some parts is improved by strengthening the piston, piston ring as well as connecting rod, and optimizing the heat dissipation performance of cylinder head and cylinder block. The electrical control system realizes the stable operation and superior performance of the hydrogen engine.

Wu said that the thermal efficiency of the hydrogen engine is expected to exceed 44%. It will be on top of the domestic level and achieves zero carbon emissions. GAC R&D center will continue to carry out thermodynamic calibration, mechanical development of hydrogen engine, so as to ultimately realize integration towards vehicles.

GAC's first hydrogen engine steadily operated after starting.

After the ceremony, Gao and Wu observed the stable operation of the GAC's hydrogen engine and had discussions with main members of the research and development team about the future development of hydrogen engine. Gao said the State Key Laboratory of Engines will fully assist GAC to complete the next step development and experiment, enable the green and low-carbon sustainable development, and contribute to the national aims of reaching a carbon peak and neutrality.

By the School of Mechanical Engineering

Editor: Yang Fan & Eva Yin