Modeling and Performance Analysis of Hydrogen Powered Hybrid Bike

Abstract

Alkaline water electrolysis represents a fundamental method for hydrogen generation, offering simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Operating at a standard voltage of 1.23 V, electrolyzers efficiently split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Central to this process are the electrodes within the electrolytic cell, where the cathode serves as the site for hydrogen production via reduction reactions. To enable the integration of hydrogen into conventional spark-ignition (SI) engines, a blend of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and hydrogen at a 4:1 ratio is utilized, strategically adjusting combustion characteristics. This blended fuel undergoes meticulous preparation through a vaporizer unit to ensure precise mixing ratios before introduction into the engine’s combustion chamber via a bypass line on the input manifold. Here, controlled air mixing at a stoichiometric ratio of 17:1 ensures optimal combustion. The combustion of this LPG-hydrogen mixture is marked by the distinct blue flame characteristic of hydrogen combustion, signifying complete combustion. Leveraging vaporized fuel delivery enhances fuel-air mix - ing within the combustion chamber, promoting thorough combustion and reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas, thereby contributing to cleaner combustion processes in conventional SI engines. Furthermore, hydrogen gas demonstrates rapid combustion tendencies, presenting a potential hazard with its flammability range spanning from 4% to 75% concentration in the atmosphere. These inherent characteristics highlight the necessity for rigorous safety protocols and engineering innovations to effectively manage the chal - lenges inherent in utilizing hydrogen as a vehicle fuel source.