Korea Promotes Hydrogen Co-Firing Engine

Based on HiMSEN LNG dual-fuel engine technology, the new model will provide users with the option to selectively use and switch between diesel oil, LNG and an LNG/hydrogen mixture. Operating in the latter mode will realise reductions in greenhouse gas emissions such as CO₂ and unburnt methane.

The recent demonstration of the 1,500kW test engine at HD HHI’s Ulsan complex, in front of representatives from the shipping and power generation sectors, confirmed stable LNG/hydrogen co-firing performance while satisfying IMO Tier III NOx regulations without the need for aftertreatment solutions.

The manufacturer claims the engine offers first-rate load-following behaviour, adjusting output precisely in accordance with changes in electrical load, be it as a marine auxiliary installation or in a landside power plant setting. Moreover, the multi-fuel combustion engine promises a faster start-up time and longer lifespan than fuel cells.

The engine is a practical proposition for liquefied hydrogen carriers, an emergent field, due to its ability to ingest cargo boil-off for the LNG/hydrogen fuel mix.

Following a test campaign last September, HD HHI obtained approval in principle (AiP) for its HiMSEN LNG/hydrogen mixed fuel engine safety concept. Hydrogen poses extra challenges in internal combustion engine design and related controls since it is lighter, with a considerably faster combustion speed than natural gas. In the meantime, HHI is continuing research into a 100% hydrogen engine, with a view to an outcome by 2025.

Moreover, HD KSOE has joined a newly formed European research consortium to initiate joint development of large-scale, liquefied hydrogen cargo tank technology. Drawing on EU funding support under the Horizon Europe programme, the 14 participants from across industry and academia in the EU and UK, together with HD KSOE, are starting work to devise a containment system suitable for a vessel of 160,000m3 capacity.