Effects of direct water injection on engine performance in a hydrogen (H2)-fueled engine at varied amounts of injected water and water injection timing.

In this paper, the effects of direct water injection (WI) on characteristics of combustion and emission for a hydrogen (H 2)-fueled spark ignition (SI) engine were experimentally investigated. The experiments conducted under different amounts of water injection (AWI) and varied water injection timing (WIT). The experimental results showed that in-cylinder pressure decreased, indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) increased, and the flame development (CA0-10) and propagation (CA10-90) periods prolonged when AWI raised. When AIW grew to 4.5 mg/cycle, Nitrogen oxides (NOx) expelled from the original engine decreased by 53.7% when excess air ratio (λ) was 1.15. Early WIT had positive effects on the reduction of NOx emissions. When WIT retarded, in-cylinder pressure increased, ITE decreased and CA0-10 and CA10-90 shortened, NOx emissions rapidly increased. • Effects of water injection on a hydrogen-fueled engine is studied. • Varied amounts and injection timing of water are considered. • Water injection has significant effects on engine performances. • Early water injection timing has positive effects on the reduction of NOx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]