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

  • Bitumen additives raise environmental questions
    February 14, 2012
    New products, including additives, are coming onto the market to help reduce the cost of producing bitumen. Patrick smith reports. According to Eng. Paolo Visconti of Iterchimica, environmental issues and the health and safety of operators of manufacturing plants and workers laying bituminous mixes have raised long debates on the possible harmfulness of fumes which are emitted when heating these mixes at the temperatures (160-180°C) required for their production. "If, on the one hand, the effects on operato
  • Quieter demolition
    July 30, 2012
    Hydrodemolition specialist Aquajet is offering an improved, low-noise power pack for its equipment. Redesigned to meet tough restrictions on noise emissions for equipment used in urban locations, the power pack is also more economical on fuel, an important point given fast rising fuel costs. The firm's hydrodemolition unit is aimed at concrete scarification and removal, and the noise levels from the new Ecosilence Power Pack are so low that normal conversation can continue alongside as it operates. Accordin
  • The Year in Infrastructure 2016 Conference Showcases China’s BIM Advancements
    November 15, 2016
    Unprecedented Scope and Diversity of Finalists and Awardees; CABRTech CEO Mr. Jiefeng Xu Addresses Building Forum LONDON – The Year in Infrastructure 2016 Conference – 1 November 2016 – Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions for advancing infrastructure, today reported respects in which China sets the pace globally for BIM advancements. This year, the independent juries of the Be Inspired Awards selected nine Chinese projects among 54 finalists, an
  • Cat’s C7.1 engine redeveloped for less regulated markets
    January 6, 2017
    Caterpillar has re-engineered its 7litre C7.1 engine to create a power unit more suited to those markets with lesser-regulated emission controls. Meeting China Stage II emission regulations – equivalent to EU Stage IIIa/EPA Tier 3 – the C7.1 uses high-pressure electronic common rail fuel injection and a wastegated single turbocharger, to achieve a power output of up to 205kW.