Performance and Emissions Analysis of a Stationary Hydrogen-Hybrid Engine Using a Venturi System at 3830 m.a.s.l.

Anthony Mamani Nina F.; Quispe Esperilla Y.; Bladimir Quispe Calderon D.; Vilca Callata L.; Chayña Velasquez O.; Dario Montes Apaza R. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.663

Resumen

Agricultural mechanization in extreme high-altitude regions, such as the Peruvian Altiplano (3830 m a.s.l.), faces a critical thermodynamic limitation due to low air density, which hinders complete gasoline combustion, affects cold-start performance, and increases the emission of toxic pollutants that impact operator health. In response to this challenge, the present study evaluates the incorporation of hydrogen as a complementary energy vector in a utility engine (Toyaki TK-GX35). Unlike conventional conversions, a dual approach was adopted: first, an experimental validation of a hybrid HHO injection system generated in situ through solar electrolysis (based on Vilca Callata, 2024) was conducted; second, a theoretical analysis for a potential full conversion was developed. Experimental results demonstrate that hydrogen enrichment acts as an ignition enhancer, achieving rapid start-up (1.02 s) without the need for choke operation and improving environmental performance by reducing exhaust opacity by 93% and CO emissions by 66%. Although the theoretical model indicates that a 100% hydrogen cycle in naturally aspirated engines may result in a volumetric power loss of approximately 60%, the hybrid system represents a technically viable alternative to mitigate environmental and operational limitations in high-altitude agriculture.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano; Universidad Nacional de Juliaca