A step towards the future of hydrogen: the success story of Repsol Generator Synthetic Motor Gas 404

Hydrogen is positioning itself as a key energy vector in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. In the field of power generation, stationary engines powered by hydrogen (especially green hydrogen produced from renewable sources) are gaining ground as a clean and efficient alternative.

That's why the validation of Repsol Generator Synthetic Motor Gas 404 in a Jenbacher engine, fueled with a mixture of coke gas and hydrogen, is especially relevant, which we'll go over below. 

The challenge of lubrication with hydrogen-based fuels

The use of hydrogen as a fuel in internal combustion engines poses specific challenges for lubrication. It is due to the high temperatures they reach and the possible presence of gases such as methane or carbon monoxide. These are factors that accelerate oil degradation and increase deposit formation in critical engine parts, which can cause unwanted knocking.

To address these challenges, Repsol Generator Synthetic Motor Gas 404 was formulated with ester-based synthetics, characterized by their high resistance to thermal oxidation and their excellent lubrication capacity at high temperatures. A high-performance additive package was also incorporated to give it greater acid neutralization capacity, deposit formation control, and protection against wear and tear.

6,000 hours of testing on a coke and hydrogen engine

After a rigorous development process and lab tests, Repsol Generator Synthetic Motor Gas 404 obtained approval from engine manufacturer, Jenbacher, to begin the field approval test.

This oil's validation test was carried out on a Jenbacher JMS 620 GS-NL engine installed in an industrial plant in Asturias. This engine operates on a mixture of coke gas and hydrogen, a combination with similarities to the conditions that will be found in engines fueled by green hydrogen in the near future.

During 6,000-plus hours of testing over 17 months, both the lubricant and the engine's condition were monitored. Periodic analysis showed of Repsol Generator Synthetic Motor Gas 404 performed excellently, with low degradation, adequate acidity control, and a low content of wear metals. Visual inspection of the engine at the end of the test confirmed it was clean and had no relevant damage.

Prepared for the green hydrogen era

The results of this field validation test demonstrate how suitable the Repsol Generator Synthetic Motor Gas 404 is for the lubrication of stationary engines operating with hydrogen-based fuels, including green hydrogen. 

If you're looking for a high-performance lubricant that will help you optimize engine operation, Repsol has a wide range of lubricants designed for gas cogeneration engines, including Generator Synthetic Motor Gas 404.  If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in contact with us by filling out this form.