Yes, it is possible to modify an internal combustion engine (ICE) to run on hydrogen fuel instead of traditional gasoline or diesel. Such engines are referred to as hydrogen internal combustion engines (HICE). However, there are several technical challenges and considerations involved in using hydrogen as a fuel for ICEs.
To adapt an ICE for hydrogen fuel, modifications are necessary to the fuel delivery system and combustion process. Hydrogen has different combustion characteristics compared to gasoline or diesel, requiring adjustments to the engine's compression ratio, ignition timing, and fuel injection system.
One key difference is that hydrogen has a much higher ignition energy requirement than gasoline. This necessitates modifications to the ignition system to ensure reliable and efficient combustion. Additionally, hydrogen combustion produces very low levels of pollutants, making emission control systems less complex compared to conventional engines.
While HICEs offer advantages such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions (if hydrogen is produced from renewable sources) and the potential to use existing infrastructure for fuel distribution, there are also challenges. Hydrogen is a low-density gas, so its storage and transportation require specialized infrastructure. Safety considerations are crucial due to hydrogen's high flammability and its potential to embrittle certain materials used in engine components.
Overall, while hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines are technically feasible, they have been less prevalent compared to other hydrogen-based technologies, such as fuel cells, which have gained more attention for their higher efficiency and lower emissions.