Press Release: AVL and SuperTurbo™ Technologies Partner on Hydrogen Engine Application
October 19, 2021
Today AVL and SuperTurbo Technologies announced that they will collaborate on a project to investigate the emission reduction possibilities of the hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2ICE). Focusing specifically on commercial vehicle applications, they will explore the benefits of applying an innovative mechanically driven turbocharger drive unit to a 13L engine with H2 combustion.
The innovative high-speed traction unit, or SuperTurbo, is an ‘on-demand’ air device that can be used to control the speed of the turbomachinery independently of the engine’s exhaust flow and vary the relative ratio between engine speed and turbo speed. This is accomplished by utilizing mechanical components to either add or subtract power from the turbocharger shaft. The SuperTurbo employs a speed reduction fixed ratio planetary drive coupled with a continuously variable transmission. The result is an increase in performance and efficiency, which translates to reduced emissions.
AVL will leverage its years of simulation experience to provide an engine map simulation including NOx emissions, torque, power, intake and exhaust system pressure and temperatures, peak cylinder pressure and combustion timing.
“This collaboration is an important step for AVL in continuing our commitment to innovation and advancements that demonstrate our technology leadership,” said Stephan Tarnutzer, President at AVL North America. “H2ICE applications can provide significant advantages in commercial vehicles, and we believe this collaboration will show even further emission and efficiency benefits.”
Regulations will require vehicle manufacturers to reduce NOx emissions while prioritizing performance. This will require advanced thermal management techniques to get exhaust aftertreatments to operating temperatures quickly and stay there even at light engine loads.
“The application of driven-turbo technology for H2ICE will enable full-cycle lean burn through precise air control and will also improve engine response,” said Thomas Waldron, Executive Vice President at SuperTurbo Technologies. “The collective AVL/SuperTurbo goal is to demonstrate low NOx emissions, performance similar to diesel, and improved engine efficiency. This could offer manufacturers a cost-effective path to carbon-free powertrains.”
About AVL
With more than 11,000 employees, AVL is the world’s largest independent company for development, simulation and testing in the automotive industry, and in other sectors. Drawing on its pioneering spirit, the company provides concepts, solutions and methodologies to shape future mobility trends. AVL creates innovative and affordable technologies to effectively reduce CO2 by applying a multi-energy carrier strategy for all applications – from hybrid to battery electric and fuel cell technologies. The company supports customers throughout the entire development process from the ideation phase to serial production. To accelerate the vision of smart and connected mobility AVL has established competencies in the fields of ADAS, autonomous driving and digitalization.
AVL’s passion is innovation. Together with an international network of experts that extends over 26 countries and with 45 Tech- and Engineering Centers worldwide, AVL drives sustainable mobility trends for a greener future. In 2020, the company generated a turnover of 1.7 billion Euros, of which 12% are invested in R&D activities.
For more information: www.avl.com
About SuperTurbo Technologies, Inc.
SuperTurbo Technologies Inc. specializes in the design, development and commercialization of SuperTurbos™ for commercial vehicles for on highway and construction markets. The SuperTurbo™ is a mechanically driven turbocharger which allows engine OEMs to control the airflow and EGR for the engine, enabling optimization of both performance and emissions at all operating points. Other benefits include transient cycle efficiency, exhaust energy recovery through compounding, particulate reduction, Cold Start/Low NOx improvement, engine down-sizing, down-speeding and improved engine braking.
