The first hydrogen engine independently developed by GAC has been successfully ignited, marking the entry of the group technology into the zero-carbon emission era.
The zero-carbon emissions engine was independently developed based on GAC’s fourth-generation engine technology. GAC Group holds completely independent intellectual property rights to the technology.
Using core hydrogen engine technology as a foundation, R&D centres optimised the technology with a number of innovations.
These include the newly developed combustion chamber, which improves the mixing process of hydrogen and air, and improvements to the hydrogen supply system, which improves power density and reduces the risk of hydrogen leakage.
The new engine also boasts improved heat dissipation capacity, further minimising combustion risks. By strengthening engine pistons, piston rings and connecting rods, heat dissipation has been improved in both the cylinder head and cylinder block, a seemingly small change that creates a big improvement in reliability and operation. The target thermal efficiency of this engine is expected to exceed 44%, a leading domestic standard.
R&D will continue to carry out thermodynamic calibration and mechanical development of the hydrogen engine, with the eventual aim of loading the entire whole vehicle.
GAC will also work collaboratively to promote industrial chains for hydrogen production, storage and hydrogenation processes. This means promoting the full use of renewable energy sources such as wind and hydropower, and improving the safety and quality of hydrogen storage.