Characterizing hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel performance and emissions in a commercial heavy-duty diesel truck

This study investigates hydrogen (H 2 ) as a supplementary fuel in heavy-duty diesel engines using pre-manifold injection. A H 2 -diesel dual-fuel (H 2 DF) system was implemented on a commercial class-8 heavy-duty diesel truck without modifying the original diesel injection system and engine control unit (ECU). Tests were conducted on a chassis dynamometer at engine speeds between 1000 and 1400 rpm with driver-demanded torques from 10 to 75%. The hydrogen energy fraction (HEF) was strategically controlled in the range between 10 and 30%. Overall, CO 2 reduction (comparable to the HEF level) was achieved with similar brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC) at all loads and speeds. To maintain the same shaft torque, the driver-demanded torque was reduced in H 2 DF operation, which resulted in a lower boost pressure. At higher loads, engine-out BSNOx slightly decreased, while BSCO and black carbon (BC) increased significantly due to lower oxygen concentration resulting from the lower boost pressure. At lower loads, engine-out BSCO and BSBC decreased moderately, while NO 2 /NO ratio increased substantially in H 2 DF operation. Deliberate air path and diesel injection control are expected to enable higher HEF and GHG reductions.