By SEMA News Editors
MAHLE Powertrain, the specialist engineering subsidiary of the MAHLE Group, is expanding its Northampton, England, facility to include dedicated hydrogen powertrain testing.
The expansion will include two tube trailers on-site with rapid switch-over functionality between them will ensure a near-continuous supply of hydrogen for testing. In addition, upgraded engine dynamometers will support hydrogen powertrain development and testing of both light- and heavy-duty applications.
The facility is already being used in the development of hydrogen-fueled vehicles and systems. It will also support the development of a hydrogen-internal-combustion-engine concept that converts existing heavy-duty diesel engines to hydrogen combustion.
"Off-highway, heavy-duty and marine sectors are increasingly looking to hydrogen combustion engines as a way of decarbonizing their emissions in areas where electrification isn't suitable," said Simon Reader, director of global engineering services, MAHLE Powertrain. "This expansion is in response to strong demand from our customers for this type of work. It equips our test cells with a dedicated hydrogen supply to create a facility that can perform rigorous testing on even the most heavy-duty engines and their increased weight and torque characteristics."
The facility follows the British Compressed Gases Association guidance on the storage and handling of hydrogen. In addition, the individual test cells each feature a unique, MAHLE Powertrain-designed system for the monitoring and safe handling of any potential gas escape. The company also has knowledge and experience in the development of engines adapted to run on renewable alcohol fuels, such as methanol.
For more information, visit mahle-powertrain.com.