Document Type

Honors Thesis

Publication Date

Spring 5-8-2026

Abstract

A biochar reactor produces biochar, syngas, and bio-oil, which can be utilized for many useful products that are used in environmental remediation and power generation. The hydrogen that is captured from the syngas during the thermochemical gasification process opens the door to a unique opportunity to provide green energy from a biomass feedstock. The research aims to incorporate a single-cylinder, 10-hp engine that has been converted from gasoline to hydrogen fuel into a continuous biochar production reactor. This will play the role of power generation in a larger system that intends to mobilize biochar production. This study focuses on the design, fabrication, and tuning processes of a hydrogen engine, which will provide insight into the current lack of understanding in small-scale hydrogen power generation for biochar production. Several engine components required modification or replacement to operate using hydrogen fuel. The cylinder head was shaved to increase the compression ratio, and a turbocharger was incorporated into the air intake system for additional boost pressure. The carburetor was supplanted for port fuel injection (PFI) to better regulate fuel consumption. The ignition timing was retarded to account for the increase in flame propagation speed from hydrogen. An external oil pump and reservoir supplies lubrication to the turbocharger, leaving the engine splash lubrication system undisturbed. A custom engine control unit (ECU) was built and programmed to monitor engine operation and performance. A full thermodynamic analysis was developed to estimate the engine’s operating characteristics using hydrogen fuel. Engine tuning was progressed to maintain steady power output at 1800 rpm, the speed required to achieve synchronization with the generator. A hydrogen engine was effectively designed, fabricated, and tuned to decrease production costs of biochar production by creating a closed loop system. Keywords: biochar reactor, hydrogen engine, port fuel injection, engine control unit

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