Cummins new turbocharger is industry first for H2 ICE

Cummins is launching its new turbocharger designed specifically to power the first hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2 ICE) for heavy-duty on-highway applications in the European market. The rollout comes as part of a contract secured by Cummins Components and Software (CCS) with a major European OEM.

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These are the key features of the new H2 ICE turbocharger according to the company:

• Bespoke aerodynamics designed for hydrogen combustion
• Advanced prognostics to enhance performance and reliability
• Compliance with Euro VII emission standards, aligning with the European Union’s environmental goals

Development process

Cummins overcame a number of challenges while developing the turbocharger, including adapting aerodynamics to address varying lambda requirements.

Since hydrogen combustion results in increased water production relative to other fuels, managing this increase as well as the impacts of hydrogen use on metallic components also became a challenge. 

See also: Can white hydrogen drive down hydrogen fuel costs?

According to Cummins, the H2 ICE variable geometry turbocharger is a cornerstone of their Destination Zero strategy, which aims to reach zero emissions through lower carbon and sustainable power technologies.

Because H2 ICE engine technology has been classified as zero-emission by the European Union, the turbocharger reinforces Cummins' commitment to finding solutions for decarbonizing transportation.