As the era of electric vehicles (EVs) advances, many motoring enthusiasts fear losing the rumble and vibrations inherent to internal combustion engines (ICEs). However, Astron Aerospace has developed technology that could keep these feelings alive without compromising the environment. The engine H2 Starfirepowered by hydrogenpromises to combine the power of combustion with energy efficiency and the absence of polluting emissions.
The H2 Starfire represents a significant step forward in the field of internal combustion. Using hydrogen as fuel, this engine burns at temperatures reaching around 760 degrees Celsius, generating only water as a byproduct. The innovative engine structure features two sets of counter-rotating rotors: an aluminum half for intake and compression, and a titanium half for expansion and exhaust. This configuration allows you to obtain energy, sound and vibrations, elements often associated with traditional engines.
Energy efficiency and minimalist design
A revolutionary aspect of the H2 Starfire is its efficiency. With a rate of 60%, this engine far exceeds the average efficiency of 20% of traditional internal combustion engines and even the 40% achieved by the best engines available today. The absence of a water cooling system also reduces the complexity of the design, making it lighter and potentially more reliable. The engine is made up of just 82 components, and thanks to its advanced design, it is free of significant friction, with only some gears and bearings requiring lubrication.
Despite the promising features, the H2 Starfire is not yet ready for mass production. At the moment, there is only one prototype partial, and further developments will be necessary to integrate this engine into real vehicles. Furthermore, the success of the H2 Starfire largely depends on large-scale green hydrogen production. Currently, much of the hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels, which would negate the environmental benefits of the engine.
