Q: Could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience related to the focus of this event?
Karl Georg Stapf, Robert Bosch GmbH (KGS): I'm a senior manager in the department of "Systems Engineering Vehicle Subsystems". Responsible for H2 lab, optical diagnostics and 3D CFD simulation including according design tasks. I have over 20 years of experience in combustion engine design and 5 years for hydrogen combustion.
Richard Osborne, Ricardo (RO): My role is Global Technical Expert - Sustainable Engines at Ricardo, and I am working on the application of various sustainable fuels in engines, including hydrogen. I have 25 years experience in engine development, particularly combustion systems.
Thomas Körfer, FEV Group GmbH (TK): I am Group Vice President of LD Diesel Powertrains. I have over 30 years of industrial experience in LD Diesel Engine Development and Optimisation including alternative fuel applications and H2 conversions.
Neil Wilson, PHINIA (NW): From a combustion background, I have been looking at different alternative fuel options for PHINIA, a first-tier supplier of Fuel Systems. Hydrogen is one of the alternatives which PHINIA have invested in and which I have been supporting over the past five years. I am to present the development of an H2ICE demonstration van.
Q: What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
KGS: Clear commitment of legislators for the usage of hydrogen in public transportation and eFuels in general.
RO: The biggest roadblock has been policymakers monomaniacal focus on battery-electric vehicles as the only solution for road transport and other sectors. This has prevented technology-neutral evaluation of powertrain options including H2-ICE.
TK: Immense regulation, ambitious targets and ever-growing requirements as well as unclear boundaries and limitation of engineering options.
NW: Acceptance of the need for change, the lack of infrastructure and the lack of (in the UK), acceptance that combustion engines offer a ZEV alternative in some applications.
Q: What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
KGS: The outlook for H2Engine applications in UK and globally.
RO: I am most excited to discuss the latest combustion system developments for hydrogen engines.
TK: Transition to carbon-neutral fuels, quick conversion of mature propulsion to carbon-free operation, optimisation of efficiency and achievement of near-zero tailpipe emissions.
NW: The ability for a rapid reduction in GHG emissions available from H2ICE.
Q: What do you consider to be the key areas of innovation in this industry, both in the UK and internationally?
KGS: Infrastructure of hydrogen from production to storage and distribution.
RO: Key areas of innovation are fuel systems, ignition systems and aftertreatment.
TK: Carbon-neutral, environmental-friendly mobility diversification of technical solutions and integration of AI in engineering work.
NW: High pressure gas (Hydrogen) storage and distribution, and manufacturing H2 in a green manner (minimising CO2).
Q: Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
KGS: OEMs with market entry of H2Engine applications.
RO: Cummins and JCB.
TK: Manufacturers and leading Tier 1 suppliers.
NW: I am looking forward to hearing James Turner's presentation.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
RO: Because it has a very strong programme.
TK: Learn more about the latest achievements in product development and validation as well as the potential to expand know-how and knowledge on new methodologies.
NW: To see that change is needed and the alternatives will be diverse. Batteries are not the only solution.
The H2ICE event will be taking place on 12 November 2024 at the British Motor Museum in Warwick and is co-located on Day 1 of the EV Batteries: Electrified Vehicle Engineering conference. To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/h2ice.