Study of Partial Oxidation Combustor Using Ultrasonic Atomizer to Improve Cold Startability of Methanol Engine

This study describes the ignition of methanol spray formed by an ultrasonic atomizer under sub-zero conditions and the design of the methanol combustor as a H₂+CO generator, based on partial oxidation reaction, for cold starting methanol engines.

The methanol spray formed by the ultrasonic atomizer was observed to be ignited using a conventional ignition system even at sub-zero temperatures. Analysis of the spray characteristics showed that this successful ignition was attributed to the high amount of methanol vapor generated, which results from the fine spray and low momentum.

The combustor using the ultrasonic atomizer was designed and tested. The combustor produced gaseous starting fuel (H₂+CO) satisfactorily by using an adequate air register.