Advanced CFD Modelling of Port Fuel Hydrogen Injection for Locomotive Engines

Project summary

The global shift towards decarbonisation in transportation requires innovative engine technologies. Heavy-duty transport, particularly locomotives, demands high efficiency and low emissions, making hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines (ICE) a promising alternative. Retrofitting diesel engines for hydrogen operation can enable near-zero emissions while maintaining performance.

This PhD project will use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with CONVERGE combustion CFD software to model port fuel hydrogen injection in a locomotive engine. The research aims to optimise combustion performance, fuel injection strategies, and emissions control. The study is a collaboration between two UK universities and a German university, with experimental validation from an advanced engine test rig.

Research objectives

• Develop a high-fidelity CFD model using CONVERGE for port fuel hydrogen injection and combustion
• Optimise combustion parameters such as injection timing, equivalence ratio, and turbocharging for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions
• Validate CFD simulations with experimental data from a German test facility
• Investigate emissions control strategies, including lean-burn combustion and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation)

Methodology

• CFD Model Development: Simulating fuel-air mixing, ignition, and combustion dynamics inside a hydrogen-fuelled locomotive engine
• Experimental Data Validation: Comparing CFD results with real-world engine performance data from our partner institution
• Performance Optimisation: Exploring advanced combustion strategies, including different injection pressures, swirl effects, and turbulence models

Expected outcomes

• A validated CFD model for hydrogen combustion in locomotive engines
• Optimised combustion strategies for higher efficiency and reduced emissions
• Advanced insights into NOx reduction strategies through combustion tuning and EGR
• Industry impact: Contributing to the shift towards hydrogen-powered heavy-duty transport

Entry requirements

• A First or Upper-Second (2:1) Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred
• Strong background in combustion science, engine thermodynamics, and CFD simulation
• Experience with CONVERGE CFD software (highly desirable)
• Strong SOLIDWORKS skills for engine geometry modelling

How to apply

Please contact Dr Shahed Motaman (S.Motaman@derby.ac.uk) in the first instance for more information on how to apply.

The University has four starting points each year for MPhil/PhD programmes (September, January, March and June). Applications should be made at least three months before you want to start your programme. Please note that if you require a visa additional time will be required.

Funding

Self-funded by the student. There is a range of options that may be available to you to help you fund your PhD.

Supervisor

References

• H. Ritchie, M. Roser, and P. Rosado, “CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Emissions,” Our World in Data. Accessed: August. 22, 2022
• Karsten Wittek a, Vitor Cogo a b, Geovane Prante, Full load optimisation of a hydrogen fuelled industrial engine, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy