Definition and Validation of a Zero-Dimensional IC Engine Model for Assessing the Performance of Different Methane-Hydrogen Mixtures

To decarbonize the maritime transport sector, a solution inspired by the automotive industry involves using a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. For optimal emission efficiency, the internal combustion engine is fueled with a primary fuel, typically methane already on board for feeding the SOFC, plus anode off-gases from SOFC, which are a mixture of variable composition of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. To assess the performance of the integrated system (SOFC+ICE) and subsequently search for an optimal set-up, it is useful to use a zero-dimensional model of each component of the system. Particularly, the internal combustion engine model must balance speed of execution with flexibility in terms of fuel composition, engine dimensions, and other relevant parameters. In this study, an engine model originally developed for gasoline-fueled ICE, is adapted for variable methane-hydrogen mixtures. The model is validated against experimental data measured on an engine operating with similar mixture compositions and available in the literature.