Application of a Spark Ignition Engine Simulation Tool for Alternative Fuels

Author(s):  
Nirendra N. Mustafi ◽  
Robert R. Raine

Investigations on alternative fuels for internal combustion engines are regarded as one of the major research areas for the age. Engine simulation tools can play an important role in such investigations without performing the experimental works. It usually saves both time and money and provides better and additional understanding where the experimental facilities are limited. A spark ignition (SI) engine simulation tool (ISIS) is used in this present study to simulate the performance and emissions of SI engines, operated on alternative fuels such as biogas and “Powergas” (a synthesis gaseous fuel mixture of mainly carbon monoxide and hydrogen). An extended investigation is done for the oxides of nitrogen emissions considering multiple burn zones. The results are verified against those obtained for engine torque/brake power, exhaust temperature, and exhaust emissions experimentally and a good agreement is found between them.

2019 ◽  
pp. 146808741985910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo Rubio-Gómez ◽  
Lis Corral-Gómez ◽  
David Rodriguez-Rosa ◽  
Fausto A Sánchez-Cruz ◽  
Simón Martínez-Martínez

In the last few years, increasing concern about the harmful effects of the use of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines has been observed. In addition, the limited availability of crude oil has driven the interest in alternative fuels, especially biofuels. In the context of spark ignition engines, bioalcohols are of great interest owing to their similarities and blend capacities with gasoline. Methanol and ethanol have been widely used, mainly due to their knocking resistance. Another alcohol of great interest is butanol, thanks to its potential of being produced as biofuel and its heat value closer to gasoline. In this study, a comparative study of gasoline–alcohol blend combustion, with up to 20% volume, with neat gasoline has been carried out. A single-cylinder, variable compression ratio, Cooperative Fuel Research-type spark ignition engine has been employed. The comparison is made in terms of fuel conversion efficiency and flame development angle. Relevant information related to the impact in the combustion process of the use of the three main alcohols used in blends with gasoline has been obtained.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Gore ◽  
Kaushik Nonavinakere Vinod ◽  
Tiegang Fang

Abstract The study investigates a fuel mixture with ethane and methane as active species and a high dilution of CO2 for application in a spark-ignition (SI) engine. The simplified fuel mixture used is a byproduct of a chemical looping based oxidative dehydrogenation (Cl-ODH) process to convert ethane to ethylene. The byproduct gas mixture has a concentration of 41% CO2, 40% ethane, and 5% methane by weight along with other minor compounds. Varying mixtures of ethane and methane were selected and combined with between 42 to 46 percent by weight CO2 to evaluate the viability and efficiency of this fuel to operate in existing internal combustion engines as a means for reducing emissions and improving the process efficiency of the Cl-ODH process. An experimental test stand was built based on a 13 hp gasoline generator with modified gas induction. The engine was also instrumented for data acquisition from the engine. A gas metering and mixing system was installed to precisely control the mass of gases induced into the engine. Various instrumentation was installed on the engine to monitor in-cylinder pressure, temperature at various locations, emissions, and fuel and airflow rates. Varying loads were applied and flow rates of the gases were induced to simulate different mixtures. It was found that under a high load, the mixed gas was able to generate comparable thermal efficiency and power to gasoline. But under no load or a part load condition the indicated thermal efficiency was found to be lower than that of gasoline. Further, the mixed gas also resulted in lower CO and NOx emissions compared to gasoline. The application of this work is an alternative fuel for existing engines that with little modification can operate effectively and benefit the overall process of ethylene generation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 180 ◽  
pp. 01010
Author(s):  
Cristian Sandu ◽  
Constantin Pană ◽  
Niculae Negurescu ◽  
Alexandru Cernat ◽  
Cristian Nuţu ◽  
...  

For conventional internal combustion engines alternative fuels such alcohols (ethanol, methanol and butanol) have attracted more attention. This aspect is due to the fact that alcohols have good combustion properties and high oxygen content. Butanol is a viable fuel for blending with conventional fuels such as gasoline or diesel because of its high miscibility with these conventional fuels. The high combustion speed of butanol compared to that of gasoline ensures a shorter burning process thus the engine thermal efficiency can potentially be improved. Moreover, the additional oxygen content of the alcohol n-butanol can potentially improve the combustion process and can lead to a reduction of carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons emissions level. Utilizing butanol-gasoline blends can provide a good solution for the reduction of greenhouse gases level (CO2) and pollutants level (CO, HC, and NOx). An experimental study was carried out in a spark ignition engine which was fueled with a blend of n-butanol-gasoline at different volume percentages. The objective of this paper is to determine the effects of butanol on the engine energetic performances and on the emissions (HC, CO and NOx). At first the engine fueled with pure gasoline to set up a reference at the engine load χ=55%, engine speed of n=2500 min-1 and different excess air coefficients (λ). After setting the reference the engine was fueled with butanol-gasoline blend (10% vol. butanol 90% vol. gasoline) with the same engine adjustments. At butanol use the CO, HC and CO2 emissions level decreased, but the NOx emission level increased. The butanol can be considered a good alternative fuel for the spark ignition engines without modifications.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 691
Author(s):  
Andrzej Żółtowski ◽  
Wojciech Gis

Ammonia is a toxic exhaust component emitted from internal combustion engines. Both pure ammonia and the products of its reaction with nitrogen and sulfur compounds, being the source of particulate matter (PM) emissions, are dangerous for human health and life. The aim of the article was to demonstrate that NH3 can be produced in exhaust gas after-treatment systems of spark-ignition (SI) engines used in light-duty vehicles. In some cases, NH3 occurs in high enough concentrations that can be harmful and dangerous. It would be reasonable to collect research data regarding this problem and consider the advisability of limiting these pollutant emissions in future regulations. The article presents the results of the spark-ignition engine testing on an engine test bench and discusses the impact of the air–fuel ratio regulation and some engine operating parameters on the concentration of NH3. It has been proven that in certain engine operating conditions and a combination of circumstances like the three-way catalytic reactor (TWC) temperature and periodic enrichment of the air–fuel mixture may lead to excessive NH3 emissions resulting from the NO conversion in the catalytic reactor. This is a clear disadvantage due to the lack of limitation of these pollutant emissions by the relevant type-approval regulations. This article should be a contribution to discussion among emissions researchers whether future emission regulations (e.g., Euro 7 or Euro VII) should include a provision to reduce NH3 emissions from all vehicles.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 4034
Author(s):  
Paolo Iodice ◽  
Massimo Cardone

Among the alternative fuels existing for spark-ignition engines, ethanol is considered worldwide as an important renewable fuel when mixed with pure gasoline because of its favorable physicochemical properties. An in-depth and updated investigation on the issue of CO and HC engine out emissions related to use of ethanol/gasoline fuels in spark-ignition engines is therefore necessary. Starting from our experimental studies on engine out emissions of a last generation spark-ignition engine fueled with ethanol/gasoline fuels, the aim of this new investigation is to offer a complete literature review on the present state of ethanol combustion in last generation spark-ignition engines under real working conditions to clarify the possible change in CO and HC emissions. In the first section of this paper, a comparison between physicochemical properties of ethanol and gasoline is examined to assess the practicability of using ethanol as an alternative fuel for spark-ignition engines and to investigate the effect on engine out emissions and combustion efficiency. In the next section, this article focuses on the impact of ethanol/gasoline fuels on CO and HC formation. Many studies related to combustion characteristics and exhaust emissions in spark-ignition engines fueled with ethanol/gasoline fuels are thus discussed in detail. Most of these experimental investigations conclude that the addition of ethanol with gasoline fuel mixtures can really decrease the CO and HC exhaust emissions of last generation spark-ignition engines in several operating conditions.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Joohan Kim ◽  
Vyaas Gururajan ◽  
Riccardo Scarcelli ◽  
Sayan Biswas ◽  
Isaac Ekoto

Abstract Dilute combustion, either using exhaust gas recirculation or with excess-air, is considered a promising strategy to improve the thermal efficiency of internal combustion engines. However, the dilute air-fuel mixture, especially under intensified turbulence and high-pressure conditions, poses significant challenges for ignitability and combustion stability, which may limit the attainable efficiency benefits. In-depth knowledge of the flame kernel evolution to stabilize ignition and combustion in a challenging environment is crucial for effective engine development and optimization. To date, comprehensive understanding of ignition processes that result in the development of fully predictive ignition models usable by the automotive industry does not yet exist. Spark-ignition consists of a wide range of physics that includes electrical discharge, plasma evolution, joule-heating of gas, and flame kernel initiation and growth into a self-sustainable flame. In this study, an advanced approach is proposed to model spark-ignition energy deposition and flame kernel growth. To decouple the flame kernel growth from the electrical discharge, a nanosecond pulsed high-voltage discharge is used to trigger spark-ignition in an optically accessible small ignition test vessel with a quiescent mixture of air and methane. Initial conditions for the flame kernel, including its thermodynamic state and species composition, are derived from a plasma-chemical equilibrium calculation. The geometric shape and dimension of the kernel are characterized using a multi-dimensional thermal plasma solver. The proposed modeling approach is evaluated using a high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics procedure to compare the simulated flame kernel evolution against flame boundaries from companion schlieren images.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 31-38
Author(s):  
Wojciech Gis ◽  
Maciej Gis ◽  
Piotr Wiśniowski ◽  
Mateusz Bednarski

Abstract Limiting emissions of harmful substances is a key task for vehicle manufacturers. Excessive emissions have a negative impact not only on the environment, but also on human life. A significant problem is the emission of nitrogen oxides as well as solid particles, in particular those up to a diameter of 2.5 microns. Carbon dioxide emissions are also a problem. Therefore, work is underway on the use of alternative fuels to power the vehicle engines. The importance of alternative fuels applies to spark ignition engines. The authors of the article have done simulation tests of the Renault K4M 1.6 16v traction engine for emissions for fuels with a volumetric concentration of bioethanol from 10 to 85 percent. The analysis was carried out for mixtures as substitute fuels – without doing any structural changes in the engine's crankshafts. Emission of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, oxygen at full throttle for selected rotational speeds as well as selected engine performance parameters such as maximum power, torque, hourly and unit fuel consumption were determined. On the basis of the simulation tests performed, the reasonableness of using the tested alternative fuels was determined on the example of the drive unit without affecting its constructions, in terms of e.g. issue. Maximum power, torque, and fuel consumption have also been examined and compared. Thus, the impact of alternative fuels will be determined not only in terms of emissions, but also in terms of impact on the parameters of the power unit.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (21) ◽  
pp. 7037
Author(s):  
Donatas Kriaučiūnas ◽  
Tadas Žvirblis ◽  
Kristina Kilikevičienė ◽  
Artūras Kilikevičius ◽  
Jonas Matijošius ◽  
...  

Biogas has increasingly been used as an alternative to fossil fuels in the world due to a number of factors, including the availability of raw materials, extensive resources, relatively cheap production and sufficient energy efficiency in internal combustion engines. Tightening environmental and renewable energy requirements create excellent prospects for biogas (BG) as a fuel. A study was conducted on a 1.6-L spark ignition (SI) engine (HR16DE), testing simulated biogas with different methane and carbon dioxide contents (100CH4, 80CH4_20CO2, 60CH4_40CO2, and 50CH4_50CO2) as fuel. The rate of heat release (ROHR) was calculated for each fuel. Vibration acceleration time, sound pressure and spectrum characteristics were also analyzed. The results of the study revealed which vibration of the engine correlates with combustion intensity, which is directly related to the main measure of engine energy efficiency—break thermal efficiency (BTE). Increasing vibrations have a negative correlation with carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions, but a positive correlation with nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Sound pressure also relates to the combustion process, but, in contrast to vibration, had a negative correlation with BTE and NOx, and a positive correlation with emissions of incomplete combustion products (CO, HC).


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Jinlong Liu ◽  
Qiao Huang ◽  
Christopher Ulishney ◽  
Cosmin E. Dumitrescu

Abstract Machine learning (ML) models can accelerate the development of efficient internal combustion engines. This study assessed the feasibility of data-driven methods towards predicting the performance of a diesel engine modified to natural gas spark ignition, based on a limited number of experiments. As the best ML technique cannot be chosen a priori, the applicability of different ML algorithms for such an engine application was evaluated. Specifically, the performance of two widely used ML algorithms, the random forest (RF) and the artificial neural network (ANN), in forecasting engine responses related to in-cylinder combustion phenomena was compared. The results indicated that both algorithms with spark timing, mixture equivalence ratio, and engine speed as model inputs produced acceptable results with respect to predicting engine performance, combustion phasing, and engine-out emissions. Despite requiring more effort in hyperparameter optimization, the ANN model performed better than the RF model, especially for engine emissions, as evidenced by the larger R-squared, smaller root-mean-square errors, and more realistic predictions of the effects of key engine control variables on the engine performance. However, in applications where the combustion behavior knowledge is limited, it is recommended to use a RF model to quickly determine the appropriate number of model inputs. Consequently, using the RF model to define the model structure and then employing the ANN model to improve the model's predictive capability can help to rapidly build data-driven engine combustion models.


2021 ◽  
pp. 146808742110396
Author(s):  
Christian Wouters ◽  
Patrick Burkardt ◽  
Marcus Fischer ◽  
Michael Blomberg ◽  
Stefan Pischinger

Besides electrification of the powertrain, new synthetic alternative fuels with the potential to be produced from renewable sources come into focus. Methanol is the most elementary liquid synthetic fuel and no novelty for use in internal combustion engines. This article presents pathways to achieve high efficiency spark-ignition methanol combustion on a direct injection spark-ignition single-cylinder research engine with two different stroke-to-bore ratios (1.2 and 1.5) and a constant bore. In addition, two compression ratios (CRs) were investigated on each setup: CR = 10.8 using RON95 E10 gasoline fuel and a higher CR = 15 using neat methanol. In contrast to previous studies of stroke-to-bore ratio influences on SI combustion, this article aims at demonstrating how the advantages of a high stroke-to-bore ratio can be exploited by combining a long-stroke engine with increased compression ratios and methanol. The increased stroke enhances the tumble motion due to a higher piston speed and a larger compression volume which improves the mixture homogenization and combustion velocity. Moreover, the lower surface/volume ratio results in a reduced heat transfer. When using RON95E10 gasoline fuel and CR = 10.8, an efficiency gain of up to 1.6% could be achieved with the long-stroke compared to the short-stroke especially at lower engine loads. With methanol and CR = 15, an efficiency gain of up to 1.6% could be achieved with the long-stroke setup compared to the short-stroke engine. Subsequently, lean burn conditions were experimentally investigated with methanol and CR = 15. The longer stroke allowed the lean burn limit to be extended from λ = 1.9 to λ = 2.0 with an efficiency gain of up to 2.2%. A maximum indicated efficiency of 47.4% could be achieved at λ = 1.9 with methanol on the long-stroke engine with CR = 15.


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