Chapters authored
Combustion of Gaseous Alternative Fuels in Compression Ignition Engines
The problem of alternative fuels for combustion engines has been growing in importance recently. This is connected not only with decreasing fossil fuel resources, but also with the growing concern for the natural environment and the fight against global warming. This paper discusses the possibility of utilizing alternative gaseous fuels in compression-ignition engines, using dual-fuel, gas-liquid operation strategy. Current state of the art of this technology had been introduced, along with its benefits and challenges to be countered. The discussion had been supported by authors own research experience on dual-fuel engines. The latest results of research on the impact of gas composition on combustion process in the Common Rail dual fuel engine had been presented, at the same illustrating the environmental benefits of using gaseous fuels. The Utilization of gaseous fuels with varying composition was illustrated systematically, starting with natural gas. The possibility of using fuels with lower content of methane (the so-called low-calorie gases) was shown by the impact of depleting natural gas with carbon dioxide. Industrial gases, such as syngas contain a large amount of hydrogen, carbon monoxide or higher hydrocarbons (ethane, propane). The possibility of fueling CI engines with these gasses was presented by the influence of enriching natural gas with mentioned components. The results cover engine dynamometer tests for different operating conditions with the analysis of the combustion process and detailed emission measurements discussion. The results of experimental studies were supplemented by simulation results, using mathematical models, developed by the authors for multi-fuel enginesr.
Part of the book: Alternative Fuels