Barna Hanula

6507514799

Publications - 8

Experimental Validation and Optimization of a Hydrogen–Gasoline Dual-Fuel Combustion Model in a Spark Ignition Engine with a Moderate Hydrogen Ratio

Zoltán Weltsch Krisztián Kun Bálint Szabó Attila Kiss Barna Hanula

Publication Name: Energies

Publication Date: 2025-07-01

Volume: 18

Issue: 13

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Hydrogen–gasoline dual-fuel spark ignition (SI) engines represent a promising transitional solution toward cleaner combustion and reduced carbon emissions. In a previous study, a predictive engine model was developed to simulate the performance and combustion characteristics of such systems; however, its accuracy was constrained by the use of estimated combustion parameters. This study presents an experimental validation based on high-resolution in-cylinder pressure measurements performed on a naturally aspirated SI engine operating with a 20% hydrogen energy share. The objectives are twofold: (1) to refine the combustion model using empirically derived combustion metrics, and (2) to evaluate the feasibility of moderate hydrogen enrichment in a stock engine configuration. To facilitate a more accurate understanding of how key combustion parameters evolve under different operating conditions, Vibe function was fitted to the ensemble-averaged heat release rate curves computed from 100 consecutive engine cycles at each static full-load operating point. This approach enabled the extraction of stable and representative metrics, including the mass fraction burned at 50% (MFB50) and combustion duration, which were then used to recalibrate the predictive combustion model. In addition, cycle-to-cycle variation and combustion duration were also investigated in the dual-fuel mode. The combustion duration exhibited a consistent and substantial reduction across all of the examined operating points when compared to pure gasoline operation. Furthermore, the cycle-to-cycle variation difference remained statistically insignificant, indicating that the introduction of 20% hydrogen did not adversely affect combustion stability. In addition to improving model accuracy, this work investigates the occurrence of abnormal combustion phenomena—including backfiring, auto-ignition, and knock—under enriched conditions. The results confirm that 20% hydrogen blends can be safely utilized in standard engine architectures, yielding faster combustion and reduced burn durations. The validated model offers a reliable foundation for further dual-fuel optimization and supports the broader integration of hydrogen into conventional internal combustion platforms.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/en18133501

Estimation of Thermodynamic and Emission Characteristics of a Sustainable Hydrogen-Gasoline Engine Through Simulation

András Lajos Nagy Péter Németh György Marton Barna Hanula

Publication Name: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 1345 LNNS

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 21-32

Description:

Hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in mobility and transportation as a form of energy source. To assess the effects of hydrogen as a gradual replacement fuel for internal combustion engines, a preliminary 1D thermodynamic simulation was carried out using AVL Boost for 0 vol%, 4 vol% and 8 vol% hydrogen content. Calculations were based on independently published research results, and focused on peak firing temperature (PFT), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), nitrous oxide emission (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO) emission values. Results showed a decrease in BSFC of up to 3 g/kWh and ca. 5 mg/kWh decrease in CO emission with 8 vol% hydrogen, but also highlight an increase of PFT by 14 K, and ca. 0.5 g/kWh additional NOx production at high loads.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-87620-2_3

Multiple Roles of Hydrogen in Future Mobility

Virag Meszaros László Csizmadia-Csiky Barna Hanula

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 114

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 895-900

Description:

Sustainability and GHG reduction are the pivotal points of any future mobility. The European policymakers prioritised the BEV technology from 2035 onward. This decision was based on the universal consensus that the BEV technology offers the highest efficiency and that sufficient green energy will be available on time. In this study, the authors will analyse the feasibility of this concept. Due to the stochastic availability of renewable power, a reliable power supply requires adequate storage capacity at the necessary scale and time. The other universal statement is that the production of e-fuels is too inefficient to compete with BEV technology. Based on different publications, the authors are convinced that only chemical storage can fulfil the requirements nationally or globally. The inevitable first step of this energy conversion is water electrolysis, energised by renewables. The losses occurring during the production of green hydrogen are an unavoidable burden on green electricity production. Due to the availability of the produced hydrogen, these losses do not count toward producing e-fuels like methanol, methane, and ammonia. In that case, the baseline of any efficiency comparison alters, and alternative and e-fuels will severely challenge the BEV technology in multiple applications and locations. These fuels will allow further improvements in the ICE technology. The most important finding of this study is that the investigation of separated sub-systems will not deliver the optimum solution for mobility. Only a holistic approach considering the interactions between power generation, power storage, and propulsion technology leads to reliable answers, and hydrogen is the key element of the solution.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET24114150

Hydrogen Policy Environment in the European Union, Current Status of Policy Uptake

A. Torma Péter Németh Barna Hanula

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 499-504

Description:

Hydrogen (H2) can become a crucial technology in building an independent and resilient energy infrastructure. The production and utilisation of green hydrogen will play a crucial role in the energy environment of the European Union in the future. Several strategies were defined, and policy actions were taken. H2 has a comparably high lower heating value and no direct harmful emission during use, so it presents a viable alternative for conventional energy carriers. Independently from the final form of usage, H2 will play a key role in integrating green electricity into the grid, as according to the state-of-the-art, large-scale, long-term energy storage is only feasible in molecules containing H2. H2-based mobility solutions could offer a viable technology for sustainable transportation. This article investigates H2 production and demand in the EU, as well as the directives and incentives of the EU to accelerate H2 production and H2 technologies in general. Based on the existing policies and applications, it reviews the up-to-date status of policy uptake within the EU and gives insights into the different preparedness for the transition to a H2-based energy system of the Member States.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107084

Smart Hybrid Energy Management System in a Passenger Car

András Lajos Nagy Péter Németh Barna Hanula

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 457-462

Description:

The technological advancements of internal combustion engines, batteries, and electric propulsion technology have reached such a level that they bring a new dimension to the potential of hybrid propulsion systems. Partially or fully electric vehicle propulsion drivetrains receive significant attention when considering the future of mobility, as they have the potential to reduce the sector's greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels and hopefully mitigate climate change. This paper aims to design a hybrid powertrain for a conventional passenger vehicle that can cover the performance requirements of everyday average urban usage with electric propulsion to reduce consumption and emissions and improve sustainability. It aims to present the performance requirements of the vehicle based on road measurements conducted under various traffic conditions and usage environments. The energy savings achieved through the auxiliary powertrain will also be evaluated based on real-life, everyday usage conditions. Finally, the paper introduces a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which compares the original conventional propulsion system with the new hybrid powertrain.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107077

Wear behaviour of ceramic particle reinforced atmospheric plasma spray coatings on the cylinder running surface of internal combustion engines

I. Zsoldos Alexander Dudas András Lajos Nagy Gabor Laki Barna Hanula Dirk Bartel

Publication Name: Wear

Publication Date: 2022-08-15

Volume: 502-503

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Atmospheric plasma spray coatings can provide a solution for corrosion and wear resistant cylinder coating surfaces in hybrid powertrains. This article presents experimental results from a model study of metal matrix composite coating samples of chromium steel with varied ceramic content, in order to characterize the effect of hard particles and porous coating structure on friction and wear. Experiments were conducted on a high-frequency reciprocating rig with coated cast-iron cylinder segments and hard chromium coated piston ring segments. Samples were investigated under continuous and scarce lubrication conditions. A ceramic content of 35 wt% was found to be ideal in terms of friction and wear. Coatings with a higher ceramic content exhibited severe abrasive wear, whereas a ceramic content under 35 wt% allowed for increased adhesion between the ring and cylinder surfaces. A detailed investigation of focused ion beam milled sections of the coated cylinder wall segments revealed a stabilizing effect of the ceramic particles, which reduces the delamination of the coating structure.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2022.204373

A Review on Friction Reduction by Laser Textured Surfaces in Internal Combustion Engines

András Lajos Nagy Jan Rohde-Brandenburger Gabor Laki Barna Hanula

Publication Name: Tribology Online

Publication Date: 2022-01-01

Volume: 17

Issue: 4

Page Range: 318-334

Description:

The internal combustion engine will be required as a bridge-technology in the upcoming decades to achieve a significant reduction in local emissions in the mobility, and logistics sector. Alternative fuel technologies will present new mechanical engineering challenges, including increasing efficiency and reducing mechanical losses. Textured surfaces with appropriate manufacturing parameters can enhance lubrication, and reduce friction in sliding and rolling contacts, e.g., journal bearings, or the piston ring – cylinder subsystem. This paper gives an overview of 80 scientific works related to laser surface technologies, with an emphasis on surface texturing for friction reduction from the viewpoint of engine development. The most common texture types, further directions, and general challenges are highlighted in the summary.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.2474/trol.17.318

A Life Cycle Assessment Framework for Evaluating the Climate Impact of Hydrogen-Based Passenger Vehicle Technologies Toward Sustainable Mobility

Péter Németh Péter Németh Botond Mecséri Barna Hanula

Publication Name: Hydrogen Switzerland

Publication Date: 2025-09-01

Volume: 6

Issue: 3

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Hydrogen-based mobility solutions could offer viable technology for sustainable transportation. Current research often examines single pathways, leaving broader comparisons unexplored. This comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates which vehicle type achieves the best environmental performance when using hydrogen from grey, blue, and green production pathways, the three dominant carbon-intensity variants currently deployed. This study examines seven distinct vehicle configurations that rely on hydrogen-derived energy sources across various propulsion systems: a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (H2FCEV), hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicle (H2ICEV), methanol flexible fuel vehicle (MeOH FFV), ethanol flexible vehicle (EtOH FFV), Fischer-Tropsch (FT) diesel internal combustion vehicle (FTD ICEV) and renewable compressed natural gas vehicle (RNGV). Via both grey and blue hydrogen production, H2 FCEVs are the best options from the viewpoint of GWP, but surprisingly, in the green category, FT-fueled vehicles take over both first and second place, as they produce nearly half the lifetime carbon emissions of purely hydrogen-fueled vehicles. RNGV also emerges as a promising alternative, offering optimal engine properties in a system similar to H2ICEVs, enabling parallel development and technological upgrades. These findings not only highlight viable low-carbon pathways but also provide clear guidance for future targeted, detailed, applied research.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/hydrogen6030068