Browse Topic: Natural gas

Items (2,317)
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) is intended as a source of comparative information and is subject to change to keep pace with experience and technical advances. This document describes currently used fuels and fuels which may be used in the future. Conventional gasoline and diesel fuels are intentionally omitted from this document.
AGE-3 Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Committee
The present article proposes an active observation speed prediction control algorithm architecture for embedded applications, with the aim of addressing the problems of complex operating conditions, strong perturbations, and high control real-time requirements of high-pressure direct injection (HPDI) dual-fuel engines. A nonlinear speed prediction model with diesel and natural gas injection mass as inputs has been established, and the nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) method is used to realize the optimized control of engine speed. In order to enhance the operational efficiency of the algorithm on the embedded platform, a system has been developed that includes an event triggering mechanism and a warm-start strategy. These mechanisms work in tandem to dynamically adjust the computation cycle. Additionally, a torque reduced-order expansion state observer (RESO) has been integrated to improve the accuracy of perturbation estimation and computational efficiency. The model-level
Yang, XindaLi, YunhuaChen, DongdongLi, YaoZhang, ShutaoZhao, FeiyangYu, Wenbin
To meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) short-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, partial decarbonization of the existing fleet, often powered by medium-speed diesel engines, is required. One approach for reducing CO2 emissions is to enrich the charge air with hydrogen to substitute diesel. However, hydrogen’s high reactivity can lead to combustion abnormalities such as backfire, pre-ignition, and knocking, thus limiting the feasible admixture rates. These challenges are particularly relevant in medium-speed diesel engines designed for high power output and efficiency at low rpm. While hydrogen fuel-share has previously been tested in small-bore engines at moderate loads, this study investigates the influence on combustion and achievable hydrogen admixture rates in a medium-speed, 4-stroke diesel engine operating with up to 30 bar net indicated mean effective pressure (net IMEP). To minimize retrofitting efforts and to preserve diesel performance, the
Achenbach, TobiasMeinert, RobertMahler, KayKunkel, ChristianRösler, SebastianPrager, MaximilianJaensch, Malte
On the way to net zero emissions and to cut the oil import bills, NITI Aayog, Government of India and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG) has rolled out roadmap for ethanol blending in India during 2020-2025. Also, National Policy on Biofuels – 2018, provides an indicative target of 20% ethanol blending under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme by 2030. Considering these Government’s initiatives current studies were performed on BSVI compliant gasoline direct injection vehicle on RDE compliant route (Route formulated by Indian Oil R&D Centre) with different ethanol blended gasoline fuel formulations i.e., E0 (Neat Gasoline), E10 (10% Ethanol in gasoline) & E20 (20% Ethanol in gasoline). The study aims to determine the compliance of Conformity Factor (C.F.) for ethanol blended gasoline fuel on Direct Injection gasoline engine. The conformity factors were calculated in each case for CO, NOx & PN using moving window average evaluation method. For reference CO2
Kant, ChanderArora, AjaySaroj, ShyamsherKumar, PrashantSithananthan, MChakradhar, Dr MayaKalita, Mrinmoy
Identification of renewable and sustainable energy solutions remains a key focus area for the engine designers of the modern world. An avenue of research and development is being vastly dedicated to propelling engines using alternate fuels. The chemistry of these alternate fuels is in general much simpler than fossil fuels, like diesel and gasoline. One such promising and easily available alternate fuel is compressed natural gas (CNG). In this work, a 3-cylinder, 3-liter naturally aspirated air-cooled diesel engine from the off-highway tractor application is converted into a CNG Diesel Dual fuel (CNG-DDF) engine. Part throttle performance test shows the higher NMHC and CO emissions in CNG-DDF mode which have been controlled by an oxidation catalyst in C1 8-mode emission test. A comparative performance shows that the thermal efficiency is up to 2% lower with CNG-DDF with respect to diesel. However, it has shown the benefit of 44% in Particulate Matter, while retaining the same NOx
Choudhary, VasuMukherjee, NaliniKumar, SanjeevTripathi, AyushNene, Devendra
Today, passenger car makers around the world are striving to meet the increasing demand for fuel economy, high performance, and silent engines. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations implemented in India to improve the fuel efficiency of a manufacturer's fleet of vehicles. CAFE goal is to reduce fuel consumption and, by extension, the emissions that contribute to climate change. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) engines offer several advantages that help manufacturers meet and exceed these standards. The demand for CNG vehicles has surged exponentially in recent years, CNG engine better Fuel efficiency and advantage in CAFÉ norms make good case for OEM & Customer to use more CNG vehicle. CNG is dry fuel compared to gasoline. These dry fuels lack lubricating properties, unlike conventional fuels like petrol, diesel and biofuels, which are wet and liquid. Consequently, the operations and failures associated with these fuels differ. The materials and designs of engine parts, such as
Poonia, SanjayKumar, ChandanSharma, ShailenderKhan, PrasenjitBhat, AnoopP, PrasathNeb, Ashish
Over the past few decades, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has gained popularity as an alternative fuel due to its lower operating cost compared to gasoline and diesel, for both passenger and commercial vehicles. In addition, it is considered more environmentally friendly and safer than traditional fossil fuels. Natural gas's density (0.7–0.9 kg/m3) is substantially less than that of gasoline (715–780 kg/m3) and diesel (849–959 kg/m3) at standard temperature and pressure. Consequently, CNG needs more storage space. To compensate for its low natural density, CNG is compressed and stored at high pressures (usually 200-250 bar) in on-board cylinders. This results in an effective fuel density of 180 kg/m3 at 200 bar and 215 kg/m3 at 250 bar. This compression allows more fuel to be stored, extending the vehicle's operating range per fill and minimising the need for refuelling. Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs), particularly those in the commercial sector like buses and lorries, need numerous CNG
Choudhary, Aditya KantPetale, MahendraDutta, SurabhiBagul, Mithilesh
This study investigates the phenomenon of receptacle icing during Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling at filling stations, attributing the issue to excessive moisture content in the gas. The research examines the underlying causes, including the Joule-Thomson effect, filter geometries, and their collective impact on flow interruptions. A comprehensive test methodology is proposed to simulate real-world conditions, evaluating various filter types, seal materials and moisture levels to understand their influence on icing and flow cessation. The findings aim to offer ideas for reducing icing problems. This will improve the reliability and safety of CNG refueling systems.
Virmani, NishantSawant, Shivraj MadhukarC R, Abhijith
Air pollution is profligate becoming a serious worldwide problem with the increasing population and its subsequent demands. Diesel, Gasoline, Natural Gas, Propane, etc., are some of the traditional fuels used in the power generation sectors. Diesel fuel, popularly utilized for backup power in critical operations, is valued for its swift activation time. This makes diesel generators a preferred choice for commercial properties and hospitals requiring reliable emergency power. Moreover, natural gas, distributed through local utility grids, provides a convenient and readily available fuel source for generators, eliminating the need for on-site fuel storage. On the other hand, CPCB has instructed to modify the emission regulations for genset engines for decarbonization and development clean fuel. The change from CPCB II to CPCB IV+ standard shows the commitment of the Indian government towards environmental sustainability and COP26. Pondering to the stringent emission norms, researchers
Bandyopadhyay, DebjyotiSutar, Prasanna SDhar, Rit PrasadSonawane, Shailesh BalkrishnaRairikar, Sandeep DThipse, Sukrut SSingh, SauhardMishra, Sumit KumarBera, TapanBadhe, RajeshTule, ShubhamAghav, YogeshLakshminarasimhan, Krishna
In India, fuel economy is one of the most critical factors influencing a customer's decision to own a passenger car. Beyond consumer preference, fuel consumption also plays a significant role in the nation's energy security. In line with this, the government promotes fuel-efficient vehicles and technologies through various regulations, policies, and mandates. Vehicle manufacturers, in response, focus on designing vehicles that align with both customer expectations and regulatory requirements. Fuel economy certification is typically based on standardized laboratory tests that simulate controlled environmental conditions, driving cycle (MIDC), vehicle load, and operation of electrical and electronic systems. However, actual on-road driving conditions by end user vary significantly due to factors such as traffic conditions, ambient temperature, air conditioning use, driving behavior and variable loading of the vehicle. With implementation of Bharat Stage VI, Real Driving Emission (RDE
Singh, Abhay PratapBathina, Revanth KumarTijare, Shantanu
In Automobile, Gasoline Engines are being used along with electrically operated shut-off valve installed at the roof of bus in case of higher capacity of CNG systems. In order to start/ stop CNG supply from cylinder for running of engine/ safety/ servicing an electrical operated ignition switch/ key controlled CNG Shut-Off Valve is placed just after the cylinders. There have been few failures of these CNG shut-off valves in field application. On investigation, it was observed that the CNG shut-off valve gets failed due to water ingress in coils from the cracks on surface generated due to spray of water (due to daily washing of bus and rain) on heated shut-off valves. In order to validate this field failure and subsequent validation of modified design, a need was felt to use a test rig which can exactly simulate the water spray based thermal shocks. However, there was no low cost facility available to simulate the field service condition for validation. Therefore, a low cost test set-up
Srivastava, Pravin KumarVivekanand, VivekanandKumar, Satish
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) offers a compelling alternative fuel solution due to its lower carbon emissions and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional gasoline. However, the dry combustion characteristics of CNG, coupled with higher combustion temperatures, often accelerate Exhaust valve face and Exhaust seat insert wear in internal combustion engines. Intake valve face and Intake seat insert are exposed to fresh air charge and temperature during engine operation remain with in limit and no issue reported in Intake valve side. This study addresses the critical challenge of premature exhaust valve wear in CNG applications by investigating the root cause and implementing improvements in the exhaust valve facing material, aiming to enhance durability and reliability for widespread CNG vehicle adoption. Exhaust valve face in CNG engine subjected to extreme condition leads to excessive valve face wear and cracking. To address these challenges, various technologies like hard material
Poonia, SanjayKumar, ChandanKundu, SoumenKumar, PrabhakarVats, RajeshKhan, PrasenjitSharma, Shailender
India being highly populated and developing country, the demand for various alternative fuel is increasing drastically. It is driven by the need to reduce dependency on traditional fossil fuels & reduce impact on environmental issues like Greenhouse gas, emissions & pollution. The potential options, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) & Biodiesel, are becoming increasingly popular and important. Biodiesel, a renewable fuel which is produced from waste materials & crops which grown repeatedly & easily available while CNG is more sustainable than diesel as natural gas is a cleaner-burning fossil fuel in comparison to coal or oil. This paper will focus on comparison between basic properties of Diesel, CNG & Biodiesel. In this study will also focus on survey of various Government initiatives, policies & infrastructural development which are evolving to encourage the usage of CNG & Biodiesel. These fuels are emerging as promising alternative contenders to traditional diesel. It has the potential
Bondada, NanditaBaruah, LabanyaMokhadkar, Rahul
Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubbers (HNBR) and their derivatives have gained significant importance in automotive compressed natural gas (CNG) valve applications. In one of the four-wheelers, CNG valve application, HNBR elastomeric diaphragms are being used for their excellent sealing and pressure regulation properties. The HNBR elastomeric diaphragm was developed to sustain CNG higher pressure However, it was found permanently deformed under lower pressures. In this research work, number of experiments was carried out to find out the primary root cause of diaphragm permanent deformation and to prevent the failure for safe usage of the CNG gas. HNBR diaphragm deformation investigation was carried out using advanced qualitative and quantitative analysis methods such as Soxhlet Extraction Column, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). For
Patil, Bhushan GulabNAIKWADI, AMOLMali, ManojTata, Srikanth
The maximum power is recorded with Gasoline than CNG and Hydrogen fuel. The maximum exergy and energy efficiency is with Hydrogen, followed by CNG and then Gasoline. Hydrogen fuel has a maximum potential to convert into energy. The maximum energy destruction of 48.7kW for gasoline fuel at 3000 rpm and followed by CNG and hydrogen. The maximum entropy generation of 85.5 W/K with Gasoline and 60.72 W/K and 29.39W/K for CNG and hydrogen engine respectively at 10000 rpm. The entropy generation rate increase with engine speed. The highest rate of heat release is from hydrogen fuel, followed by Gasoline and CNG.
Shinde, Apurwa BalasahebKadam, Tusharkarunamurthy, KSHINDE, DR BALU
The stringent emission norms over the past few years have driven the need to use low-carbon fuels and after treatment technology. Natural gas is a suitable alternative to diesel heavy-duty engines for power generation and transportation sectors. Stoichiometric combustion offers the advantages of complete combustion and low carbon dioxide emissions. Turbocharging and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology enhances the power density along with reduced exhaust emissions. However, there are several constraints in the operation of natural gas spark ignition engine such as exhaust gas temperature limit of 780 °C, sufficient before turbine pressure for EGR drivability, boost pressure, peak cylinder pressure limit and knocking. These limits coulld restrict the engine BMEP (brake mean effective pressure). In the present study, tests were conducted on a V12, 24 liters, heavy duty natural gas fuelled spark ignition engine (600 HP) with different EGR and turbocharger configurations to
Khaladkar, OmkarMarwaha, Akshey
With the expansion of compressed natural gas (CNG) filling station in India, bi-fuel vehicles are gaining popularity in recent times. Bi-fuel engine runs on more than one fuel, say in both CNG and petrol. Hence, the engine must be optimized in both the fuel modes for performance and emissions. However, due to the inherent differences in combustion characteristics: ignition dynamics and fuel properties, they pose a significant challenge in case of detection of misfires. Misfires are caused because of faulty injection systems and ignition systems and incorrect fuel mixture. Accurate detection is essential as misfires deteriorate the catalysts performance and may impacts emission. Misfires (or engine roughness) is calculated from engine crankshaft speed signal. In this study, the effectiveness of crankshaft-based misfires detection method, comparison of misfire signals magnitude in bi-fuel modes and practices developed for accurate detection of misfires is presented.
Thiyagarajan, AbhinavN, GobalakrishnanR, Hema
This study investigates the impact of adding compressed natural gas (CNG) to diesel on the performance of a compression ignition engine. In diesel dual-fuel systems, CNG is used to replace part of the energy originally supplied by diesel. The objective is to evaluate the performance of an Agrale BX6110 agricultural tractor engine operating in dual-fuel mode, with simple adaptations that allow it to function in its original mode as well, ensuring easy reversibility. Additionally, CNG can represent a cost-effective and environmentally advantageous alternative for farmers, significantly reducing their operational costs. Tests were conducted with four different CNG injection cases and three diesel injection cases, using an AW Dynamometer NEB 200 test bench. The maximum diesel substitution by CNG was 45.20%. In dual-fuel mode, the engine achieved maximum torque and power values of 665 N·m and 37.3 kW, respectively, representing a 20.45% loss compared to diesel-only operation. A reduction of
Oliveira, LucasAlvarez, Carlos Eduardo CastillaCesar, Felipe
Ethanol is a hydrogen-rich liquid and has a specific energy of 8.0 kWh/kg. In a vehicle, hydrogen storage is done in high-pressure cylinders. The same fundamental technology is used at other fuel cell systems in vehicles such as Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity. Hydrogen is also introduced into the cell to generate electricity, which will power an electric motor that drives the vehicle. Excess electricity is stored in batteries. The main characteristic of the system described here is that hydrogen can be generated through an additional process in a reformer, installed at a fixed station. The reformer transforms the ethanol stored in the fuel station tank into hydrogen, which can then fuel a vehicle equipped with high-pressure cylinders and fed into the fuel cell. The system, however, emits water vapor, heat, and CO2. This is because carbon dioxide is a byproduct resulting from the transformation of ethanol into hydrogen. According to studies, despite this the system is carbon neutral
Fontana, Romeu
Growing interest in cleaner energy has spurred progress in engine technology, focusing on greater efficiency and lower emissions. Methane-based fuels, like compressed natural gas (CNG), have become an alternative for spark-ignition engines, especially in Brazil. Among performance strategies, dethrottled operation stands out by reducing intake restrictions and minimizing pumping losses, a major inefficiency in conventional spark ignition engines. This improves thermal efficiency and reduces both fuel consumption and emissions. This study experimentally examines the performance and combustion of a CNG-powered Hyundai HR 2.5 16V engine, converted from diesel to spark ignition with natural gas, comparing factory (omega) and custom (reentrant) piston geometries under both conventional and dethrottled modes. The research evaluates how piston design affects combustion stability, efficiency, and emissions across different load strategies. Tests were conducted at 7, 8, and 9 bar loads, as well
Silva, Cristian Douglas Rosa daGarlet, Roberto AntonioDapper, Jackson MayerFagundez, Jean Lucca SouzaLanzanova, Thompson Diórdinis MetzkaMartins, Mario Eduardo Santos
The energy transition initiatives in Germany’s renown coal mining region Lusatia have driven research into Power-to-X-to-Power technologies, where synthetic fuel is produced from renewably sourced hydrogen and captured CO2, and converted to electricity and heat through oxyfuel combustion. This work investigates the multi-objective optimization of oxyfuel gas engine using a stochastic engine model and detailed chemistry. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate, initial cylinder temperature and pressure, spark timing, piston bowl radius and depth are selected as design parameters to minimize the exhaust temperature at exhaust valve opening and indicated specific fuel consumption (ISFC) corresponding to oxyfuel operation with different dry and wet EGR rates. The optimization problem is solved for a dry EGR and four wet EGR cases with various CO2/H2O fractions, aiming to achieve comparable performance as in conventional natural gas / air operation, and energy-efficient carbon capture. The
Asgarzade, RufatFranken, TimMauss, Fabian
As a fundamental element of measures to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial applications, carbon-neutral fuels are increasingly coming into focus for heavy installations. In addition to diesel substitute fuels, alternative energy carriers like NG, H2, MeOH and NH3 are gaining increasing attention. The energy conversion of these fuels is typically taking place on the principle of premixed combustion, which places different demands on fuel injection and mixture formation, as compared to optimized diesel-like combustion. Accordingly, the demand to layout multi-fuel capable engine designs centers to a high share on the above-mentioned design that can burn these different fuels with high efficiency and support a high degree of commonality with the in-series engine to carry over reliable operation and to maintain attractive cost figures. FEV has developed the Charge Motion Design (CMD) process, which can be applied to design the intake ports and combustion chambers for multi-fuel
Koerfer, ThomasDhongde, AvnishBoberic, AleksandarZimmer, PascalPischinger, Stefan
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) — including mining trucks, construction machinery, and agricultural equipment — contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and local air pollutants due to their dependence on fossil diesel. Achieving sustainable development goals in off-highway sectors requires transitioning toward alternate fuels that can reduce CO₂, NOₓ, and particulate matter (PM) emissions while maintaining performance and reliability. This paper comprehensively evaluates alternate fuels such as biodiesel, renewable diesel, compressed and liquefied natural gas (CNG/LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), hydrogen, and alcohol-based blends. Using insights from Service Bulletins, fuel standards, and the Worldwide Fuel Charter, it discusses fuel properties, engine compatibility, operational challenges, sustainability impacts, economic feasibility, safety considerations, and regulatory aspects. Case studies of alternate fuel deployment in OHVs illustrate practical challenges and
Mulla, TosifThakur, AnilTripathi, Ashish
With the publication of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) III in 2022, the European Union increased its renewable energy consumption target to 42.5% by 2030. Consequently, gaseous fuels derived from renewable electricity, particularly green hydrogen, are expected to play a pivotal role in the decarbonization of the energy sector. One promising application of green hydrogen is its integration into combined heat and power (CHP) plants, where it can replace natural gas to reduce CO2 emissions. Pure hydrogen as fuel or blended with natural gas has demonstrated potential for lowering both pollutant emissions and fuel consumption while maintaining or even enhancing engine performance. But it is expected, that the amount of available green hydrogen will be limited in the beginning. So new engine systems with hydrogen and natural gas for CHP plants are required, that offer more CO2-benefit and NOx reductioon than from fuel substitution only. In the LeanStoicH2 project, a novel approach was
Salim, NaqibBeltaifa, YoussefKettner, Maurice
To achieve the desired fuel switch from natural gas to hydrogen in internal combustion engines for combined heat and power units, it is necessary to make some adjustments to the fuel supply system. External gas mixers increase the probability of backfiring when natural gas is replaced by hydrogen. In addition, the low density of hydrogen results in a loss of power. Therefore, direct gas injection is preferred when using hydrogen. A drawback of direct injection is the requirement of higher injection pressures to achieve the desired fuel mass and mixture homogeneity as well as the additional access to the combustion chamber for the direct gas injector in the cylinder head. This paper proposes an alternative approach that does not necessitate the implementation of a high-pressure direct injection system nor additional access to the combustion chamber via the cylinder head. A combined injection and ignition unit, called HydroFit, was developed which uses a sleeve inside the spark plug bore
Rischette, NicHolzberger, SaschaHelms, SvenKettner, Maurice
There is growing demand for energy utilization due to stricter environmental emission norms to reduce greenhouse gases and other threats posed due to the emissions are major motivation factors for researchers to adopt on strategic plans to decrease the usage of energy and reduce the carbon contents of fuels, the usage of hydrogen or blend of hydrogen with CNG as a fuel in internal combustion engines is the best option. As hydrogen has lower volumetric energy density and higher combustion temperature, pure hydrogen-fueled engines produce lower power output and much higher NOx emissions than gasoline-fueled engine at stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. Blending of hydrogen with CNG provides a blended gas termed as hydrogen-enriched natural gas (hCNG). hCNG stands for hydrogen enriched compressed natural gas and it combines the advantages of both hydrogen and methane. The addition of Hydrogen to CNG has potential to even lower the CNG emissions and is the first step towards promotion of a
Syed, KaleemuddinChaudhari, SandipKhairnar, GirishSajjan lng, Suresh
Reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) is a promising low-temperature combustion strategy that offers high thermal efficiency with reduced nitrogen oxides (NOx) and soot emissions. However, at low loads, RCCI operation often suffers from incomplete combustion, leading to elevated partial combustion products, such as, unburned total hydrocarbons (THC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. Intake-air heating is a potential strategy to address these issues by enhancing fuel reactivity and promoting more complete combustion. In this study, the effects of intake-air heating (from ambient to ~95°C) on performance, combustion, and emissions were experimentally investigated in a light-duty diesel engine operated in compressed natural gas (CNG)-diesel RCCI mode. Experiments were conducted at low and intermediate loads at various engine speeds. A single injection strategy was employed for low-load, while a double-injection strategy was used at intermediate-load operating condition s. CO
Navaneethakrishnan, P.Sarangi, Asish KSuman, AbhishekSreedhara, SeshadriSingh, Arvind Kumar
Electricity is a fundamental necessity for individuals worldwide, serving as a force driving technological progress hitherto unimaginable. Electricity generation uses diverse methodologies based on available natural resources in a given geographic region. Conventional methods like thermal power from coal and natural gas, water-based hydropower, solar power from the sun, wind power, and nuclear power are used extensively, the former two being the dominant sources. The generation of nearly 70% of the world's electricity is estimated to be from thermal power plants; however, these operations lead to widespread environmental destruction, greenhouse emissions, and the occurrence of acid rain. Conventional thermal power plants run on the Rankine cycle principle of a boiler, a turbine, a condenser, and a pump. A similar method may be used in the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) with the use of solar energy, where heat is transferred to the working fluid in the boiler using a heat pipe, a passive
Deepan Kumar, SadhasivamKumar, VDhayaneethi, SivajiMahendran, MSaminathan, SathiskumarR, KarthickA, Vikasraj
Recent experimental work from the authors’ laboratory demonstrated that applying a boosted current ignition strategy under intensified flow conditions can significantly reduce combustion duration in a rapid compression machine (RCM). However, that study relied on spark anemometry, which provided only localized flow speed estimates and lacked full spatial resolution of velocity and turbulence near the spark gap. Additionally, the influence of turbulence on combustion behavior and performance across varying flow speeds and excess air ratios using a conventional transistor-controlled ignition (TCI) system was not thoroughly analyzed. In this study, non-reactive CFD simulations were used to estimate local flow and turbulent velocities near the spark gap for piston speeds ranging from 1.2 to 9.7 m/s. Simulated local velocities ranged from 0.7 to 96 m/s and were used to interpret experimentally observed combustion behavior under three excess air ratios (λ = 1.0, 1.4, and 1.6). Combustion was
Haider, Muhammad.ShaheerJin, LongYu, XiaoReader, GrahamZheng, Ming
Internal combustion engines will continue to play an important role in transportation for decades to come because of the high onboard energy density. For present passenger vehicles, efforts have been made to reduce the cold start emissions and improve engine efficiency. To reach such goals, lean and diluted mixtures are needed to reduce the chemical reactivity of the mixture, so a higher engine compression ratio can improve thermal efficiency. The decreased flame temperature of the lean/diluted mixtures is also beneficial for NOx reduction. Strong in-cylinder flow is needed to increase flame propagation speed for efficient and complete combustion process. Strong ignition sources are needed to provide robust ignition to support the combustion process. In this paper, the application of advanced plasma-based ignition strategies was reviewed, with special attention to the on-demand plasma energy profiling, which has flexible control over discharge duration and current amplitudes. The
Yu, XiaoLeblanc, SimonReader, GrahamZheng, Ming
Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector is a significant challenge. A multi-technology approach is the most practical and sustainable solution for minimizing the environmental impact of road transport. Alternative gaseous fuels derivable from bio sources have the potential to significantly cut equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2eq) emissions from a Well-to-Wheel (WtW) perspective, and the development of technologies that allow to improve the efficiency of natural gas-powered Heavy Duty (HD) Spark Ignition (SI) engines is of strategic importance. In such applications, charge dilution strategies might have the potential to increase engine efficiency at a relatively low implementation cost. Diluting the in-cylinder charge can reduce fuel consumption by decreasing wall and pumping losses, and increasing the Heat Capacity Ratio (γ). The coupling with innovative technologies aimed at enhancing ignition energy, influencing combustion development, could be a promising
Di Domenico, DavideNapolitano, PierpaoloPapi, StefanoRicci, FedericoGolini, StefanoRapetto, NicolaGiordana, SergioBeatrice, Carlo
Large-bore spark-ignited engines equipped with individual cylinder injection systems require advanced balancing strategies to achieve optimal combustion performance and mitigate risks associated with abnormal combustion phenomena. The integration of highly reactive fuels, such as hydrogen, introduces additional challenges for high-power-density, low-speed engines. This study investigates closed-loop cylinder balancing strategies utilizing real-time cylinder pressure feedback to optimize engine operation. Key performance metrics were evaluated on a 20-cylinder medium speed stationary gas engine (8.5 MW electrical power) under eight different control strategies. The results indicate that the tested balancing methods reduce average knock intensity and variation of combustion peak pressure across all cylinders compared with original manufacturer control strategy. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that a well-balanced engine offers significant advantages, including enhanced power output
Martelli, AndréPenaranda, AlexanderMartinez, SantiagoZabeu, ClaytonSalvador, Roberto
In the context of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction the most viable short-term solution in the maritime sector is the use of renewable carbon-free fuels. Among these, ammonia represents a possible alternative in compression ignition (CI) engines operating in dual fuel (DF) mode. Although, such fuel features low chemical reactivity, especially in lean mixtures, resulting in poor combustion efficiency, exhaust ammonia slip and low engine performance, DF combustion can be an interesting strategy to overcome such limitations. In this work a wide numerical examination of diesel injection strategies is presented, while ammonia acts as the primary fuel with energy supply around 80%. Since the original marine engine, fuelled with natural gas (NG), presents a single diesel injection, firstly, a pilot injection is added and different diesel mass shares between pilot and main are investigated, by varying the injection rate shape and the pilot start of injection (SOI). Calculations are
Cameretti, Maria CristinaDe Robbio, RobertaPalomba, Marco
The dual-fuel combustion process, which is offered as a retrofit solution for conventional diesel engines by various manufacturers, represents an option for reducing emissions from internal combustion engines and is already available today. Current dual-fuel engines run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is usually of fossil origin. Due to the existing infrastructure and the possibility of producing LNG by means of electrolysis and methanation, LNG can already be produced in a 100% climate-neutral way and thus make a contribution to climate neutrality in the shipping industry. The adoption of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems in the maritime sector became more significant in 2020 following the enforcement of the sulphur emission cap. By lowering the sulphur content in the fuel, technologies in the exhaust tract are also conceivable without the use of expensive scrubber systems. Dual-fuel LNG/diesel engines are typically operated in lean-burn mode to reduce the risk of knocking
Seipel, PascalGlauner, ManuelDinwoodie, JulesBuchholz, Bert
Dual-fuel combustion is emerging as a promising solution to address the growing focus on maritime decarbonization, because it is adaptable and needs minimal system modifications. However, natural gas as an alternative fuel must deal with the issue of methane slip, because methane has greater global warming potential than CO2. Conventional aftertreatment systems may incorporate a methane oxidation catalyst to mitigate methane emissions, but effective methane oxidation requires high temperatures of approximately 400 °C. Therefore, exhaust thermal management (ETM) is crucial for maintaining high exhaust gas temperature (EGT) and ensuring conversion efficiency. This study investigates the effectiveness of fully variable valve actuation (VVA), including early exhaust valve opening (EEVO) and early intake valve closing (EIVC), along with lambda control via wastegate control. Each strategy’s effect on exhaust gas temperature is evaluated, while considering potential trade-offs with efficiency
Soleimani, AmirKim, JeyoungAxelsson, MartinHyvonen, JariMikulski, Maciej
Alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) upcycling of ethanol to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is an attractive emerging pathway for SAF production, especially in the US Midwest with large-scale corn ethanol production. Only 39% of the corn carbon is converted to ethanol, 20% is emitted as CO2. Capturing the CO2 to produce additional ethanol or SAF directly can increase the carbon yield. To guide technology selection, this work used life cycle assessment for several CO2-to-SAF production pathways. Additionally, improvements for corn ethanol production were explored by replacing natural gas burners with heat pumps for corn drying, which reduced the carbon intensity of corn ethanol by nearly 16%. But subsequent upgrading of the ethanol to SAF is only 4.5–20% better than conventional aviation fuel. By contrast, CO2-based alternative routes to SAF fared better, reducing carbon intensities between 83% and 90%. Gas fermentation of CO2 to ethanol with subsequent ATJ upcycling to SAF was contrasted to Fischer
McCord, StephenTalsma, SamBouchard, JesseyZavaleta, Victor GordilloHe, XinSick, Volker
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Phase 3 regulation targets a substantial reduction in GHG emissions across model year (MY) 2027–2032 class 2b-8 vehicles. This article explores the implementation of alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), along with powertrain hybridization as viable pathways for achieving these stringent standards in a cost-effective manner. A detailed analysis is performed on a Class-7 medium–heavy-duty (MHD) truck configuration, featuring an inline 4-cylinder 5.2-L spark-ignited (SI) engine, modeled with both CNG and LPG fuels. The vehicle’s powertrain is simulated to evaluate GHG emissions and fuel efficiency. The study further examines the impact of low rolling resistance (LRR) tires and varying tire rolling resistance coefficients (Crr) on vehicle performance. For further lowering the GHG emissions, a hybrid powertrain sizing study was performed. The simulation
Patil, Shubham V.Smith, Edward M.Bachu, Pruthvi R.Ross, Michael G.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a popular alternative fuel in the transportation sector as a result of its favorable physical and chemical properties, availability, and relatively lower emissions compared to conventional fuels. However, much of its use is currently in light-duty applications, usually in manifold or port-injected configurations primarily due to their simplicity and ease of conversion. However, there are shortfalls in heavy-duty applications where decarbonization efforts are direly needed. The key reasons for this shortfall in alternative fuel adoption in the heavy-duty sector are the deficit in engine performance when compared to conventional heavy-duty diesel engines and the lack of specialized hardware to bridge this performance gap, for example, direct injectors optimized for LPG fuel operation on large-bore engines. To address this, this study evaluated the performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics of a heavy-duty single-cylinder research engine, the
Fosudo, ToluwalaseWindom, BretOlsen, Daniel
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines are emerging as a viable alternative to gasoline and diesel in heavy commercial and passenger transport worldwide. They offer reduced CO₂ emissions and support energy independence in regions rich in natural gas. In India, enhanced CNG infrastructure and strict emission regulations have driven OEMs to develop CNG vehicles across all segments. Moreover, from a noise and vibration standpoint, CNG vehicles are expected to deliver cabin refinement comparable to that of their fossil fuel counterparts. However, one of the major challenges associated with CNG vehicles is the excitation due to additional components like CNG Pressure Regulator, Injector et al. The operational metallic/pulsation noises are generally higher as compared to liquid fuels like gasoline due to dry nature of the CNG fuel. This paper describes in detail the pulsation noise phenomena encountered during one of the late-stage vehicle development projects. An experimental root cause
Chatterjee, JoydeepRavindran, Mugundaram
Ozone (O3) was introduced into the intake air in a natural gas fueled engine ignited by micro-pilot of diesel fuel, to utilize the reactive O-radicals decomposed from the O3 for the promotion of the combustion and for improvements in the thermal efficiency and exhaust emissions. Experiments were carried out in a single cylinder engine to elucidate the effects of the ozone addition under the lean burn conditions. A supercharger was employed to increase the intake air amount and vary the equivalence ratio of natural gas. The experimental results showed that the O3 addition has a limited effect on the ignition of the diesel fuel injected near top dead center, while the heat release during the flame propagation in the natural gas/air mixture was increased at the lower equivalence ratio of natural gas. Further the ignition of natural gas was promoted, resulting in the increase of the combustion efficiency and the degree of constant volume heat release. The cooling loss and the NOx emissions
Kobashi, YoshimitsuMiyata, ShokiKawahara, NobuyukiInagaki, Ryuya
In the ongoing effort to decarbonize energy supply, a notable shift involves the conversion or retrofitting of combined heat and power plants to operate on hydrogen as an alternative to natural gas. In this transformative landscape, extensive research is underway to develop and explore innovative combustion processes for hydrogen-fueled engines, aiming to comprehend and optimize combustion processes concerning both engine performance and emissions. Among the various methods available for monitoring the combustion process and engine control, ion current sensing presents itself as a viable option. A unique feature of this research lies in utilizing the engine's spark plug itself as an electrical sensor, measuring the ion current generated during the flame development and combustion processes. Given the limited research on ion current sensing for hydrogen combustion processes, a series of experiments were conducted and presented in this work. These experiments involved sweeps of water-to
Salim, NaqibBeltaifa, YoussefKettner, MauriceLoose, OliverWeißgerber, Tycho
The Tour engine is a novel split-cycle internal combustion engine (ICE) that divides the four-stroke Otto cycle of a conventional ICE between two separate cylinders, an intake and compression cylinder and a second expansion and exhaust cylinder, interconnected by an innovative charge transfer mechanism. The engine working fluid, air and fuel, is inducted into the engine and compressed by a dedicated compression cylinder, transferred with minimal pressure loss via an input port to a specifically designed combined spool shuttle transfer mechanism and combustion chamber. It is then ignited and then transferred from the combustion chamber via an exit port to a separate expansion cylinder where it is expanded and exhausted from the engine. The primary advantage of the Tour engine is that it provides the engineering freedom to independently design, control and optimize the compression, combustion, and expansion processes within a slider-crank piston engine. By decoupling the compression
Tour, OdedCho, KukwonHofman, YehoramAnderson, BradleyKemmet, RyanMorris, DanielWahl, MichaelBhanage, PratikSivan, EhudTour, GiladAtkinson, ChrisTour, Hugo
Combining a low-carbon content fuel, such as natural gas, with a high-efficiency engine can reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly in hard-to-electrify long-haul trucking applications. Turbo-compounding, where an additional power turbine is installed in the exhaust stream after the turbocharger turbine, can extract useful amounts of energy from diesel engine exhaust at high loads. This work assesses the net benefits of combining turbo-compounding with a high-efficiency, natural gas fuelled heavy-duty engine. The effects on brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), greenhouse gas emissions, and engine-out emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and methane (CH4) are considered. The experimentally validated 1D model for a 13L diesel pilot- direct injection of natural gas, heavy-duty engine in GT-SUITETM is used to develop a series turbo-compound model. The effects of turbine sizes and flow capacities in fixed-geometry turbocharging and power turbines are evaluated on the engine’s
Balazadeh, NavidMunshi, SandeepShahbakhti, MahdiMcTaggart-Cowan, Gordon
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