Alternative Engine Award
The Alternative Engine Award recognizes internal combustion engines that stand out for their versatility and contribution to the energy transition. While ICE technology remains a cornerstone for industrial applications today and in the future, its adaptability to alternative fuels is crucial for its role in decarbonization.
The Alternative Engine engines must meet the following features:
Agnostic Design
An alternative engine should be capable of operating with a variety of alternative fuels, including biofuels such as HVO, biomethane, and hydrogen. The award focuses on engines that can seamlessly adapt to different fuel compositions while maintaining high performance and meeting stringent emission standards.
Fuel Flexibility
Building on the previous point, the assessment includes whether the engine block is technically designed to accept different types of fuels without requiring significant modifications to the engine design or, more importantly, the layout of the application.
Compactness
Power density is an essential feature of any propulsion system, and it becomes even more critical for alternative engines. These engines must be designed to be potentially replaceable in a nearly reversible manner, accounting for variables such as cooling and lubrication systems.
Performance
Biomethane and hydrogen present challenges in terms of specific performance curves and flash points, which differ from diesel. The combustion characteristics and flame spread of these fuels also impact thermodynamic parameters, as well as the selection of alloys and other materials. Therefore, the alternative engine must demonstrate competitive specific power and torque, as well as a favorable weight-to-displacement ratio and overall density.
Application Versatility
The engine must be versatile enough to serve a wide range of applications. Alternative technologies are increasingly being used in on-road applications as well as off-highway uses, including power generation, where hydrogen is particularly relevant.
