Skip to main content

Kohler’s new hydrogen engine advance

Kohler Engines is unveiling its new Kohler Direct Injection Hydrogen (KDH) engine, an internal combustion engine that can run on hydrogen.
By Mike Woof January 18, 2024 Read time: 2 mins
Kohler’s new hydrogen engines will offer clean power and comparable performance with conventional diesel units

The new hydrogen engine technology is being used in the KDI 2504 TCR unit. This takes advantage of conventional combustion engine architecture and maintains the same dimensions, PTOs and performance as conventional diesel engines, while using zero-carbon hydrogen as fuel.

Kohler Engines is investing in a range of innovative technologies to meet diverse machinery requirements. Hydrogen has emerged as a versatile fuel with rapidly evolving technology. Renowned for its wide flammability range, high flame speed, low ignition energy, and high diffusivity, hydrogen holds promise as a cleaner alternate fuel for internal combustion engines.

Using direct injection (DI) technology, as opposed to port fuel injection (PFI), ensures performance, by avoiding backfiring. The hydrogen unit aims to provide the same performance as the diesel engine, such as max power, peak and low-end torque, as well as transient response and drivability.

Hydrogen plays a pivotal role in emissions and GHG reduction as it offers clean and efficient energy, without generating carbon dioxide (CO2).

The combustion of a hydrogen engine is cleaner than a standard diesel engine and with an aftertreatment system (ATS), the environmental benefits of using hydrogen are increased. Using the ATS ensures the reduction of exhaust emissions to low values, making the engine near zero-emissions. The ATS reduces particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) to minimal levels.

The hydrogen internal combustion engine is designed to be a drop-in solution, and no major changes to the engine compartment will be required. The engine platform of the machine will keep the same cooling circuit, power take-off and flywheel, engine mounting points, and intake line; in addition, the exhaust line does not need ATS in Stage 5.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Benninghoven’s burning ambition for LEP’s future
    September 30, 2013
    Benninghoven, the leading asphalt plant and accessories manufacturer, believes the greater use of Lignite Energy Pulverized (LEP) during asphalt plant production will ensure huge long-term financial savings for plant operators currently using alternative combustibles. Guy Woodford reports The claimed impact of LEP on the German asphalt plant market is impressive. As reported in the July-August 2013 issue of World Highways, 80% of all asphalt plants operated in the country are said by LEP Europe-wide
  • Manitou’s new four-model Oxygen electric platform range halves maintenance costs
    October 26, 2022
    Liebherr has launched six new unplugged machines for piling and lifting applications. The piling rigs are called the LRH 100.1 and LRH 200, the drilling rigs the LB 25 and LB 30, and the crawler cranes the LR 1130.1 and LR 1160.1. The new models follow on from the firm’s original LB 16 electric drilling rig, expanding the range considerably.
  • Innovations in concrete paving technology
    March 16, 2012
    Paving with concrete offers a strong and long life base for a roadway, with manufacturers continuing to develop technologies – Mike Woof reports. Innovation comes fast in the concrete paving market with a number of specialist suppliers offering an array of solutions to meet the needs of slipforming contractors. These machines can be used for a range of applications from large-scale airport runway or highway construction duties, tunnel jobs, bridge decks, barriers, traffic islands and kerbs. Because the app
  • Chicago launches improved new compressors for Europe
    March 9, 2015
    International construction equipment manufacturer Chicago Pneumatic has introduced versions of its CPS 11.0 (7bar) and CPS 11-12 (12bar) portable compressors aimed at the European market. The compressors feature Deutz EU compliant Stage 3B engines and are meant for surface drilling, abrasive blasting and ice blasting and excel in road work and shotcrete pumping. The 12bar variant is also suitable for special applications such as fibre optic cabling. The higher working pressure enables the CPS 11-12 compress