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

  • Developments in diesel technology are a focus for producers
    January 19, 2016
    The diesel engine manufacturers are continuing their development of low emission engines as well as solutions for markets where fuel quality is an issue - Mike Woof writes. Developments in diesel engine technology are the continued focus for manufacturers facing tough challenges around the world. New low emission engines are being developed for developed markets such as Europe and the US, with Europe now taking a further step ahead to target pollutants from the tailpipe. Meanwhile firms are also looking int
  • FPT wins award
    January 21, 2025
    FPT has won a key award for engine technology
  • Case CE unveils CX350D hydraulic excavator
    January 6, 2017
    Case Construction Equipment’s new Tier 4 Final CX350D hydraulic excavator is the first of the D Series excavators to be introduced in North America. Available in North America from early 2015, the CX350D is said to offer significant advances in power, fuel savings, operation and control. The CX350D features an innovative combination of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) technologies, helping maximise uptime and performance. In co
  • European regulations for engine emissions are getting tougher
    January 4, 2013
    Emissions remain the focus for engine development but equipment manufacturers want clarity from regulators. Emissions remain a major challenge for the off-highway construction equipment market. The EU has tough targets in this respect and its objective is an overall reduction of CO2 emissions of 80-95% by the year 2050, compared to 1990 levels. There is considerable research already underway on how to reduce fuel consumption and to help ensure the security of energy supply. A number of industry sectors, suc