Knowledge Gained from H2R Project to be used in Upcoming Production Cars
With its H2R Record Car, BMW has recently entered a new phase in the race to refine hydrogen-powered vehicles. Developed in
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| The H2R is an astounding success for BMW and its CleanEnergy program, having already set nine world speed records. (Photo: BMW of North America) |
just ten months, the H2R is an astounding success for BMW and its CleanEnergy program. It has already set nine world speed records, and spurred development at BMW of crucial components for its upcoming hydrogen-powered production vehicles. Although BMW had already created several different hydrogen-fueled motors, including those in its fleet of bi-fuel hydrogen and gasoline powered 7-Series sedans, the H2R concept has improved on the formula and pushed the boundaries of current technology even farther.
BMW's starting point for the H2R's powerplant was the 6.0-liter V12, fitted to the top-of-the-line 7-Series executive sedans. In
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| While based on the 6.0-liter V12 engine found in the 7-Series, the H2R's powerplant is specially designed to use hydrogen fuel or gasoline. (Photo: BMW of North America) |
order for the conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) to accept hydrogen as a fuel source, the scientists and engineers at BMW had to revamp the majority of its components. The 6.0-liter V12, as seen in the 760Li, features direct fuel injection, a process by which a fine mist of gasoline is injected into the combustion chamber. Because hydrogen combustion characteristics are different than those of standard gasoline, an alternative system was called for. With the H2R's bi-fuel motor, the injection system is integrated into the intake manifold, while special valves help to optimize power. BMW has also added an air-cooling process for each cylinder, to prevent the hydrogen-air mixture from pre-igniting in the motor.
