Kloeckner-Humboldt-Deutz AG (KHD) has developed a glow plug assisted heavy-duty methanol engine based on the standard production diesel engine F8L 413F. This type of engine is an air-cooled, 8-cylinder, V-type engine with a high swirl direct injection combustion system.
The paper presents the development of a glow plug-based hot surface ignition system and the combustion system optimization work done to obtain high engine efficiency and low emission levels. Furthermore, it deals with the development of methanol specific engine components for the purpose of achieving a high reliability and long life.
In the whole operational range the methanol engine exhibits an energy consumption nearly equal to its diesel counterpart, together with an excellent emission quality, capable of meeting the 1994 EPA emission standards for heavy-duty engines.
Results of durability tests over 1500 hours as well as initial field experience with the glow plug assisted methanol engine in a city bus in stop and go service are also reported.