A Study on the Performance and Emission of a Compression Ignition (CI) Engine Using Syngas and Diesel Blend in Dual Fuel Mode

Abstract

Coal has been a major source of energy for many countries of the developed world especially where coal deposits exist. This situation is expected to persist for a long time to come; more so, in light of the rapid depletion of the world’s oil reserves, underdevelopment of conversion equipment for renewable energy and the uncertainty of nuclear energy. However, most coal used today is for production of power, steel making or transportation industry and has been the major contributor to global warming and greenhouse effect. These problems associated with coal have necessitated studies to be carried out under the clean coal technology and green coal programs. Both aimed at reducing its negative environmental impact and health hazard in power and industrial plants. Also in its use as alternative fuel in ICE engines. This is partly achieved through gasification of existing coal to produce a combustible gas called synthetic gas (syngas). Syngas can meet energy needs in an economical and environmentally friendly way, especially in the areas where coal is available, the price of petroleum fuels are high, or where supplies are uncertain. Studies have shown that CI engine using syngas for fuel is very promising and even cost competitive alongside other gaseous fuels. This study is directed towards the detailed analysis of CI engine fuelled by a mixture of syngas as the primary and diesel as the pilot fuel in dual fuel mode. The paper has included information on the performance and emissions of CI engine when using syngas- diesel blend and compared it with when running on neat diesel. Keywords: Brake thermal efficiency (BTE), emissions, Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) specific fuel consumption (BFC), Synthesis Gas (syngas).