Bosch Engineering ensures hydrogen compatibility of engines for combined heat and power plants and electricity generators

Ultimately, the customer in this example was convinced by the control unit concept of Bosch Engineering. The hardware platform is based on tried-and-tested components from large-volume production in the automotive sector, but was adapted to the specific requirements of the stationary engine segment. As an integrated system, the control unit combines all engine management tasks such as fuel injection, ignition, knock control, and misfire detection in a single component, thus enabling straightforward connection of the electronics to the engine during assembly. The platform concept also offers a high level of flexibility by allowing the individual functions to be used separately. In a given engine project, the customer can cover all engine functions with the control unit from Bosch Engineering or, when using a different engine platform, they can control just the ignition and injection and use alternative systems for the other engine functions.

The software of the engine control unit is also based on expertise gathered in the automotive sector, but was engineered specifically for stationary engines. The engine calibration itself can be carried out by the customer independently. Straightforward configuration options for the software parameters facilitate system adjustments and assist in adapting the engine control unit to the different fuel types.

Combined heat and power plants are particularly economical if they can be operated reliably for long periods and are also easy to maintain. Along with high quality and robustness, the imaginary customer thus attaches great importance to simple error analysis in the event of irregularities during engine operation. One of the main benefits of Bosch Engineering’s system is the numerous diagnostic functions that support the service personnel with their systematic troubleshooting. For this purpose, the system stores relevant information in an error memory, which can be accessed quickly and easily via the CAN interface.

Another advantage of the control unit hardware from Bosch Engineering is its long-term delivery capability, attributable to the fact that Bosch either develops the electronic components in-house or procures them from a reliable supplier structure. This minimizes the need for revisions to hardware components that become unavailable after only a short manufacturing period as a result of product updates.

With its engine management concept for stationary engines, Bosch Engineering combines high functional efficiency with both robustness and flexibility. For example, the system can be used for hydrogen as well as for other fuels such as natural gas, biogas or, in the future, ammonia – without any major modifications. This allows the customer to develop innovative systems that make an important and valuable contribution to environmentally friendly energy production in the EU and across the globe.