Physical-based peak pressure controller for hydrogen internal combustion engines

As Europe aims at meeting the climate targets set by the Green Deal, transitioning to sustainable energy in transportation is crucial, since this sector accounts for 43 % of total CO 2 emissions in Europe. Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (H 2 ICEVs) have emerged as a promising alternative to other powertrains, due to their carbon-free high-efficiency combustion. To achieve high specific power while maintaining lean lambda (avoiding NO x emissions and combustion anomalies), high boost levels are required, leading to high cylinder pressure peaks, with the risk of exceeding the maximum pressure limit. This paper presents a physics-based peak pressure controller aimed at optimizing combustion efficiency while keeping peak firing pressures below the reliability limit, by coupling an open-loop limitation for the centre of combustion with a closed-loop controller. The presented approach has been validated in virtual environment, assessing the capability of the controller to maintain the average maximum pressure at the reliability limit. • Hydrogen engines are usually operated lean, leading to high boost level. • High boost levels result in extremely high peak firing pressure at high load. • Pmax is mainly influenced by CA50 position. • Open loop physical-based Pmax controller for limit CA50 as a function of operating conditions. • Assessment on a virtual vehicle model allows to limit cycles overcoming reliability limit.