Companies working to achieve their decarbonization goals are increasingly interested in hydrogen engines. Over the past year, leading companies like Tata Motors, Buhler Industries and Werner Enterprises have expressed interest in Cummins 15-liter hydrogen engine. More leading companies can take advantage of hydrogen-powered solutions to decarbonize as these technologies become more cost-friendly and widely available.

Is there an engine that runs on hydrogen?

Yes. Hydrogen internal combustion engines (hydrogen ICE) work similarly to diesel engines. Hydrogen is burned in the same way a traditional internal combustion engine burns gasoline or diesel. Hydrogen engines have near zero emissions, and they don’t emit soot or volatile organic compounds. In fact, hydrogen engines can deliver over 99% reduction in carbon emissions compared to diesel. It’s considered a zero-carbon technology.

Cummins is leading the way in the transportation industry with its hydrogen internal combustion engines. These engines are being developed with current vehicle designs in mind and aim to make the transition to hydrogen simple for OEMs and their customers. Cummins’ fuel-agnostic platform includes both a 15-liter and 6.7-liter hydrogen engine.  This offers the benefits of a common-base architecture and low-to-zero carbon fuel capability. So, will we ever see a hydrogen truck anytime soon?

The 15-liter hydrogen internal combustion engine is expected to reach full production in 2027. To date, Cummins has debuted two hydrogen ICE concept trucks. One was a heavy-duty concept truck featuring the X15H, and the other was a medium-duty concept truck powered by the B6.7H. Both concepts truck replicates a feasible vehicle production and demonstrates an easy integration fit with no impact on payload or space requirements. The heavy-duty truck is expected to have an operating range of more than 500 miles and reach 500 HP. It has a 700 bar pressure 80kg high-capacity hydrogen storage system. 

This medium-duty engine is expected to reach around 290 HP and 1200Nm peak torque. Cummins is aiming for similar performance characteristics of a diesel engine that are compatible with existing transmissions, drivelines and cooling packages.

Do hydrogen engines need spark plugs?

Yes. Hydrogen ICE needs spark plugs. The hydrogen combustion process is similar to engines that use natural gas, or gasoline. Hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks and is fed into the engine's combustion chamber where it is mixed with air. A spark plug ignites the mix, which rapidly combusts. The pressure created in the combustion chamber moves the pistons, which drives the crankshaft, causing a rotating motion. Because of the need for spark plugs, it is crucial to follow the recommended maintenance intervals, which may differ from those of diesel vehicles. 

Can diesel engines run on hydrogen?

No. While vehicles with diesel ICEs share a lot in common with hydrogen ICEs, a diesel ICE cannot run on hydrogen alone. Diesel ICEs operate on a compression-ignition cycle, and thus, feature no spark plugs. Whereas, hydrogen ICEs operate on a spark-ignition, and as such, require spark plugs to ignite fuel. 

Additionally, H2-ICEs incorporate a number of features that are required for safe and efficient operation. This includes high-pressure storage tanks which undergo rigorous industry standard testing and certification. Cummins and NPROXX announced a joint venture to deliver industry-leading hydrogen storage options. The two engines also have very different exhaust aftertreatment systems. A diesel ICE exhaust system is designed to reduce NOx and particulate matter emissions. In contrast, a hydrogen ICE exhaust system is simpler because of the lower NOx and virtually no particulate matter emissions. 

What are the similarities between diesel and hydrogen engines?

Diesel and hydrogen engines do have similarities, though. To take full advantage of the similarity between these engines and to create optimal solutions for its customers, Cummins is developing fuel-agnostic engine platforms. These platforms consist of a base engine architecture around which a set of engines optimized for different fuels can be built. Each engine will then operate using a single fuel. This approach makes it easier for OEMs to offer versions of the same vehicle operating on different fuels. 

End-users operating mixed-fuel fleets also benefit from using engines derived from the same platform. The high degree of parts commonality, for example, makes it easier to manage parts inventory and communize on maintenance practices. 

Customer interest in hydrogen engines is growing. Companies and fleets that use Cummins’ fuel-agnostic engine technology will be well-positioned to transition to a hydrogen-powered fleet as hydrogen fuel becomes a more widely available. Though hydrogen vehicles will use different fueling systems and onboard storage for hydrogen, mechanics and drivers will already have some familiarity with the engines. This journey to adopting hydrogen-fueled vehicles is much more economical than starting from scratch. 

Cummins stands ready to partner with customers interested in transitioning to hydrogen-powered vehicles and helping them decarbonize and achieve their environmental goals. If you are interested in learning more, don’t forget to check out answers to frequently asked questions around hydrogen engines.

Advanced diesel engines fuel many of the world’s most vital industries. Boats, barges, and semis move most products that consumers use every day. Agricultural equipment ensures we have the food and natural resources we need. Construction equipment powers our infrastructure. 

But what exactly is a diesel engine? How does it work? And what are the primary parts and features of a diesel engine? Learn more about the basics in this blog.

What is a diesel engine?

Looking at the highest-level diesel engine definition, a diesel engine is a type of internal combustion engine. Internal combustion engines are heat engines that produce power through the combustion of a type of fuel and an oxidizer. In the case of a diesel engine, air and diesel fuel are compressed to produce mechanical energy.

But exactly how does a diesel engine work? It’s a fairly basic process. To begin, air is pumped into the cylinders. Then, pistons compress the air between 14 and 25 times, producing heat. Once the air is compressed, the fuel injectors spray diesel fuel into the cylinders. Introducing the diesel fuel to the hot air causes the mixture to ignite, producing chemical energy. The combustion pushes the piston back out of the cylinder, which transforms the chemical energy into mechanical energy. This process repeats hundreds to thousands of times a minute to produce enough energy to power a vehicle.

What are the  two types of diesel engines?

There are a number of different ways to classify diesel engines. Commonly, they are categorized by how much power they can output (small, medium, and large). However, another way to distinguish between them is by looking at the number of strokes (2-stroke engines and 4-stroke engines) used to complete an engine cycle. As you might guess, 2-stroke engines use two strokes while 4-stroke engines use four.  Let’s take a closer look at each of the two types of diesel engines:

2-Stroke Diesel Engine
2-stroke engines provide a complete engine cycle in just two strokes. Essentially, as the cycle begins, air enters the cylinder, dispelling any old air. Then, the compression process occurs. As the piston nears the top of the cylinder, diesel fuel is added, producing chemical energy. That energy pushes the piston down, sending mechanical energy to the wheels.

2-stroke diesel engines are generally the lighter and smaller of the two types. However, only operating on two strokes means it is more susceptible to wear and tear, which is one of the reasons 2-stroke engines are less common.

4-Stroke Diesel Engine
In a 4-stroke engine, the pistons move up and down twice—for a total of four strokes. In addition to the compression and exhaust strokes (described above), the pistons also have return strokes. Essentially, the process begins with drawing the air into the cylinder as the piston moves down. As the piston moves up, the air is compressed. Once the piston reaches the top of the cylinder, the fuel is injected, causing the ignition. Upon ignition, the piston is pushed down, and the mechanical energy is released to the wheels. Finally, the piston moves back up to dispel the burnt gasses.

4-stroke engines are the most common variety, used in most diesel trucks and automobiles. 

What are the main parts of a diesel engine?

Diesel engines are made up of dozens of parts. However, the engine parts list below provides information about nine of the most vital components.

●    Block - As the foundation of the modern diesel engine, the block is where all the parts for the basic internal combustion process are contained. The block has an open space for each cylinder, where the combustion happens. 
●    Pistons - The pistons create the bottom of the combustion chamber, moving up and down in the cylinder while the engine is working. The movement of the pistons creates the compression of the air that leads to combustion. 
●    Cylinder Head - The cylinder head closes the top of the open space in the block to reach the chamber where combustion happens. This head can be one unit to cover all the cylinders or multiple units that cover a section. 
●    Valves - With the cylinder closed by the piston at the bottom and the cylinder head at the top, there needs to be a way to allow fresh air in and the leftover gasses out. This is where the valves come in. There are usually two valves for taking in air and two for the exhaust for each cylinder. 
●    Fuel Injectors - Now, there needs to be a way to get fuel inside the cylinder, so there is something to combust. These components are a complex part of the process, spraying fuel in very precise patterns with highly controlled timing. 
●    Camshaft - Rather than relying on an electrical system for opening valves and fuel injection, most engines use a mechanical process. The camshaft’s revolutions control the timing of these events by lobes on the shaft that set them into motion. 
●    Connecting Rods - These pieces connect to a piston at the bottom arm and carry the force of the combustion to the crankshaft. 
●    Crankshaft - The crankshaft transfers the linear motion of combustion (the up-and-down part of the combustion process) into a rotational motion. 

You can count on Cummins diesel engines

Trusted throughout the world, Cummins Inc. diesel engines are the most powerful and reliable engines. Whether you’re looking for an engine to use on the road, on the water, at the worksite, or on the farm, Cummins’ diverse line of engines has the right fit for your needs. If interested in the components of a diesel engine, don’t forget to explore key innovations that have shaped the modern diesel engine we know today.

If you’re looking for performance and an engine you can trust, count on Cummins. Explore the full line of diesel engines or reach out today.
 

Data centers are the backbone of our rapidly evolving global digital economy. With the rising demand for computing power, it's increasingly important to have reliable and sustainable energy sources.  Over the past few decades, data center architectures have reflected the benefits of a sufficient and reliable power grid infrastructure. 

Now, they incorporate on-site battery storage and backup power generation assets to ensure uninterrupted electrical supply during grid outages. The need to address energy availability, sustainability, and affordability challenges is intensifying for data center operators. As a result, they recognize a number of market forces they need to adapt to and look to the future.

ESG and decarbonization are no longer an afterthought 

Data centers account for 1% - 1.5% of global electricity use and operators acknowledge their impact on the environment. They set their own company goals to meet and exceed environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) initiatives set by governing bodies. To meet carbon accounting goals, data centers are under pressure from local governments to report to shareholders and stakeholders. Investors are also offering incentives for conducting carbon accounting. Companies use the following greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting classification in their operations.

•    Scope 1: GHG emissions from power generated by on-site assets. Data centers are looking to reduce energy-related scope 1 emissions. Examples of such technologies include hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of diesel-fueled generators, standby battery energy storage, and natural gas or hydrogen-based technologies.

•    Scope 2: GHG emissions from the power consumed from the grid. These are the bulk of data centers’ emissions. To combat this, data centers are making agreements to source renewable energy from wind and solar sources. This is a rapid method for them to decrease their carbon footprint. It’s much faster than continuing to purchase power from thermal power plants.

•    Scope 3: GHG emissions from all other data center operations - from upstream suppliers to their downstream functions. An example is the GHG emissions associated with the production and delivery of their backup generators.

By accounting for scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, data centers gain valuable insights into their environmental impact. This helps them identify areas of improvement and drive technology innovations and investments that can reduce their carbon footprint. As they continue to prioritize ESG initiatives, the industry will become increasingly sustainable and better equipped to address the energy and environmental challenges of the future.

Data center on-site energy assets are subject to tight emission regulations

Data centers usually choose diesel generators for backup power. Nonetheless, some local air quality authorities have more strict exhaust emissions regulations than national standards, such as EPA standards. These regulations aim to limit the environmental impact of data centers and their on-site energy assets are subject to these regulations that intend to limit their environmental impact. To achieve this, regulators may limit site emissions by reducing the number of operating hours allowed for on-site power generation.

To comply, data center operators and power asset manufacturers are taking steps to reduce their impact on local communities. Manufacturers are developing new engine control calibrations to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. They are also offering exhaust aftertreatment systems to further improve air quality. On the other hand, data centers are designing compliance strategies to adjust their operational and testing hours to meet these regulations. They might also incorporate new power generation technology and low-carbon fuel solutions to their portfolio. 

On-site solutions to electrical grid constraints

Data centers worldwide run over 18 million servers. These servers put significant strain on the local electricity grids. It’s an issue particularly evident in areas like Northern Virginia and Dublin, Ireland where data centers account for a large portion of the grid demand. To generate some of the electricity they consume with their backup generator sets, data centers may need to exceed their permitted operating hours. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has considered temporarily allowing this to address the issue. Similarly, in Dublin, the state-owned electric power transmission operator has imposed limits on how much electricity data centers can draw from the grid. This has led to the need for alternative on-site, prime power solutions.

On-site power generation can bridge the gap of grid congestion issues caused by increased electricity demand. Data centers can generate some of their own electricity using backup power generation assets. Right now, generator sets are a reliable, mature technology that produce loss of power from a small physical footprint. As hydrogen supply chains mature, other assets like hydrogen fuel cells can provide low-carbon power to facilities in the future. Data center developers understand this well and are evaluating generators and other new technologies for prime power, not just emergency power.

Monetization opportunities through grid support programs

Data center power assets have the potential to benefit the company and others by participating in grid support programs. Data centers can agree to operate their assets during peak electrical demand phases of the day. This could include running air conditioning units at noon in Texas in August, for example. They can then either feed this power back to the grid or use it to essentially take their data center off the grid.

Energy aggregators are also making it easier than ever to monetize from power generation assets. Aggregators sign up large numbers of small distributed power generation resources and commercialize them as if they were a virtual power plant. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Order No. 2222 makes it easier for on-site gensets and other distributed energy resources to access wholesale energy markets in the United States.

By participating in grid support programs, data centers can help make the electrical grid more resilient and reliable while further benefiting their company.

Data centers are changing the way they operate due to market forces like regulations, decarbonization goals, and grid capacity. Fortunately, Cummins Inc. is committed to partnering with data centers. This partnership will help data centers achieve their ESG goals and thrive in a rapidly changing industry. These opportunities not only help data centers meet market demands but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
 

The diesel engine working principle was completed by the inventor, Rudolf Diesel, in 1892, and the first prototype was created in 1897. In the years following, he continued to work on improving his theory, and others soon realized the potential of this invention and started making their own versions. One of the people to recognize the importance of the diesel engine was Clessie Lyle Cummins. In 1919, He founded Cummins Engine Company with a goal of improving diesel technology and producing the world’s finest engines. Thanks to his vision, Cummins Inc. is now a global leader, producing advanced diesel engines for applications ranging from heavy-duty trucks and consumer pickups to industrial mining and oil drilling.  

How does a diesel engine work?

Rudolf Diesel built his internal combustion engine based on the Carnot cycle, an idealized model of how a theoretical engine could maximize efficiency. In reality, this model doesn’t work since factors like friction make maximal efficiency impossible. However, the diesel engine applies this theoretical principle in a very practical way. 

In general, a diesel engine works by using a piston to compress air to increase the temperature in the cylinder and then injecting atomized diesel fuel into this cylinder. When the fuel comes into contact with the high temperature, it ignites, creating energy that drives the piston down transferring energy to the crankshaft and through the powertrain. This process is repeated over and over again at a high speed, making a diesel engine a powerful piece of technology. Different types of diesel engines will have varying compression ratios. The compression ratio of the diesel engine impacts how much power the engine puts out. The higher the ratio, the more power is generated. 

One common question about how diesel engines work is; why don’t diesel engines have spark plugs? The simple answer is that a diesel engine doesn’t need spark plugs because the fuel is ignited by the compression of air. Don’t get confused because there are certain parts of a diesel engine called “glow plugs.” When comparing a glow plug to a spark plug, you’ll find their purpose is different. A spark plug is used to ignite fuel in a gasoline or natural gas engine. The glow plug does not ignite the fuel but is basically a small heater that helps with heating up the compressed air in the cylinder. Glow plugs, among other key advantages to diesel engines, are especially useful when starting a cold engine. 

How does a diesel engine work step-by-step?

In order to understand the step-by-step process, let’s take a look at the diesel engine components and functions. 

●    Block - As the foundation of the modern diesel engine, the block is where all the parts for the basic internal combustion process are contained. The block has an open space for each cylinder, where the combustion happens. 
●    Pistons - The pistons create the bottom of the combustion chamber, moving up and down in the cylinder while the engine is working. The movement of the pistons creates the compression of the air that leads to combustion. 
●    Cylinder Head - The cylinder head closes the top of the open space in the block to reach the chamber where combustion happens. This head can be one unit to cover all the cylinders or multiple units that cover a section. 
●    Valves - With the cylinder closed by the piston at the bottom and the cylinder head at the top, there needs to be a way to allow fresh air in and the leftover gasses out. This is where the valves come in. There are usually two valves for taking in air and two for the exhaust for each cylinder. 
●    Fuel Injectors - Now, there needs to be a way to get fuel inside the cylinder, so there is something to combust. These components are a complex part of the process, spraying fuel in very precise patterns with highly controlled timing. 
●    Camshaft - Rather than relying on an electrical system for opening valves and fuel injection, most engines use a mechanical process. The camshaft’s revolutions control the timing of these events by lobes on the shaft that set them into motion. 
●    Connecting Rods - These pieces connect to a piston head at the bottom arm and carry the force of the combustion to the crankshaft. 
●    Crankshaft - The crankshaft transfers the linear motion of combustion (the up-and-down part of the combustion process) into a rotational motion. 

Each piston moves in sync with one other piston to create balance in the engine. With a 4-stroke diesel engine, these parts all come together to produce the combustion event in four stages. These stages are:

1.    Intake stroke
The piston moves down to the bottom of the cylinder, creating negative pressure that draws air from the open intake valve to fill the cylinder with air. 
2.    Compression stroke
The intake and exhaust valves are closed, and the piston moves from the bottom to the top, compressing air to create heat. At the end of this stroke, fuel is injected into the chamber.
3.    Power stroke
Ignited by the heat of the compressed air, the fuel explodes, driving the piston down and creating the power stroke that transfers energy to other parts of the engine. 
4.    Exhaust stroke
The exhaust valve is opened, and the piston moves from the bottom to the top, pushing out all of the exhaust from the combustion event.

Cummins: Diesel engines for today and tomorrow

At Cummins, you’ll find the most powerful and reliable engines on the market today, that continue to evolve through key innovations. With a wide range of sizes and specifications, you’ll find a diverse engine lineup that will fit your specific needs, whatever they are. Find your perfect Cummins engine today. Cummins’ commitment to creating dependable engines with peak performance shows in their dedication to tomorrow’s engines. Cummins is always innovating and testing new ideas to bring you the best in diesel engine technology, following in the footsteps of Clessie Cummins and Rudolf Diesel.