ABSTRACT
As the world strives toward the common goal of carbon-free economy by 2050, racing applications and motorsport in general can be a technology booster to assist in the transformation process towards alternative propulsion systems. A complex energy transition is clearly underway in the entire automotive industry according to the established regulations, but it has already begun in motorsport as well. Among other initiatives, the Dakar Rally and the FIA have created the T1 ultimate category for prototypes powered by low-carbon fuels, including hydrogen. The Dakar represents clearly the pinnacle of off-road endurance rally competitions. It offers a great opportunity to ORECA Magny-Cours and FEV to expose their jointly developed internal combustion engine (ICE), powered with hydrogen only, to ultimate and extreme conditions. Furthermore, the highly competitive and challenging environment imposes a unique pace of development which can serve as a booster for spurring the H2-ICE technology towards a broader range of applications, from pass car over LCV's up to HDV and Off-Highway machinery. Moreover, a hydrogen powered engine represents an interesting fit for motorsports because it combines high power output simultaneously a relatively long driving range and driving pleasure with an excellent carbon footprint.
This publication outlines how ORECA Magny-Cours and FEV are currently converting an existing petrol racing engine towards hydrogen direct injection to meet the numerous challenges of the Dakar Rally. In several development steps, a newly combustion system was engineered that is tailored to utilize gaseous hydrogen combustion. A high level of charge motion and optimized mixture formation have ultimately been realized using FEV's dedicated H2-ICE simulation tool chain. Design changes resulting from the simulation results are incorporated into the newly specified race engine. Continuous thermodynamic investigations are on-going at ORECA Magny-Cours facilities. Preliminary experimental results are really promising. Although challenges and development hurdles have to be mastered, the combined ORECA/FEV experience will bring a viable carbon neutral powertrain solution to compete in the future Dakar Rally.332
