MISE H2-ICE: Hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine

The H2ICE project is an ambitious initiative that aims to develop two innovative hydrogen-powered engine platforms: a monofuel engine and a dual-fuel one. These engines are designed for application in both stationary systems, such as combined heat and power (CHP) units, and mobile platforms, including heavy-duty vehicles like buses, trucks, and pick-ups, as well as maritime transport.
The overarching goal of the project is to offer a scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to diesel engines and more expensive zero-emission technologies like fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
At the heart of the project is the development of internal combustion engines capable of running on hydrogen while achieving ultra-low pollutant emissions and extremely high thermal efficiency.
The engines will be designed to operate with ultra-lean air-fuel mixtures, allowing for NOx emissions lower than 0.05 g/kWh and thermal efficiency above 42%. These figures make hydrogen ICEs a promising solution for urban transport and stationary energy generation, particularly because of their potential to integrate well with hybrid systems. In urban bus applications, for instance, hybridization allows for energy recovery during braking and a reduction in engine size, thus improving overall system efficiency and performance.
However, achieving these ambitious targets poses significant technical challenges. Managing hydrogen injection and combustion in ICEs requires advanced control strategies to avoid issues like backfire or poor mixture formation. The project addresses these challenges by developing innovative diagnostic tools for detecting knock and misfire and by identifying the optimal operational “sweet spot” in ultra-lean combustion.
The H2ICE project has been coordinated by Dumarey Automotive Italia S.p.A., a company with a strong legacy in engine development and innovation, and now part of the Belgian Dumarey Automotive Group. The company has been supported by two key partners: Politecnico di Torino and TecnoGen S.p.A. Politecnico di Torino has contributed to the project through five specialized research units from the departments of Energy (DENERG) and Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), focusing on fuel injection and combustion, pollutant emissions aftertreatment, materials compatibility, and life cycle assessment.
TecnoGen, an internationally recognized manufacturer of generator sets and CHP units, will lead the adaptation of the hydrogen ICE into energy production systems, leveraging its patented FUSTEQ technology to deliver low-noise, energy-efficient solutions.
With a planned duration of 36 months, the project has been funded through Italy’s “Accordi per l’Innovazione” program (PNRR M4C2‑12.2bis) under the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Prog. n. F/310304/01-03/X5).
Ultimately, the H2ICE project represents a strategic step forward in the transition toward low-emission mobility and power generation. By combining advanced engineering with applied research, it offers a promising route to decarbonize key sectors of transport and energy while maintaining the reliability and the cost-effectivness of internal combustion engines technology.