Experiments and zero D modeling studies using specific Wiebe coefficients for producer gas as fuel in spark-ignited engines

Shivapuji, Anand M and Dasappa, S (2013) Experiments and zero D modeling studies using specific Wiebe coefficients for producer gas as fuel in spark-ignited engines. In: PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART C-JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE, 227 (C3). pp. 504-519.

PDF pro_ins_mec_eng_par_jl_mec_eng_sci_227_c3_504_2013.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (680kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The paper addresses experiments and modeling studies on the use of producer gas, a bio-derived low energy content fuel in a spark-ignited engine. Producer gas, generated in situ, has thermo-physical properties different from those of fossil fuel(s). Experiments on naturally aspirated and turbo-charged engine operation and subsequent analysis of the cylinder pressure traces reveal significant differences in the heat release pattern within the cylinder compared with a typical fossil fuel. The heat release patterns for gasoline and producer gas compare well in the initial 50% but beyond this, producer gas combustion tends to be sluggish leading to an overall increase in the combustion duration. This is rather unexpected considering that producer gas with nearly 20% hydrogen has higher flame speeds than gasoline. The influence of hydrogen on the initial flame kernel development period and the combustion duration and hence on the overall heat release pattern is addressed. The significant deviations in the heat release profiles between conventional fuels and producer gas necessitates the estimation of producer gas-specific Wiebe coefficients. The experimental heat release profiles are used for estimating the Wiebe coefficients. Experimental evidence of lower fuel conversion efficiency based on the chemical and thermal analysis of the engine exhaust gas is used to arrive at the Wiebe coefficients. The efficiency factor a is found to be 2.4 while the shape factor m is estimated at 0.7 for 2% to 90% burn duration. The standard Wiebe coefficients for conventional fuels and fuel-specific coefficients for producer gas are used in a zero D model to predict the performance of a 6-cylinder gas engine under naturally aspirated and turbo-charged conditions. While simulation results with standard Wiebe coefficients result in excessive deviations from the experimental results, excellent match is observed when producer gas-specific coefficients are used. Predictions using the same coefficients on a 3-cylinder gas engine having different geometry and compression ratio(s) indicate close match with the experimental traces highlighting the versatility of the coefficients.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART C-JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
Publisher:	SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Additional Information:	Copyright for theis article belongs to the SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, ENGLAND.
Keywords:	Alternative fuel; producer gas; zero D modeling; Wiebe coefficients; combustion phasing
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Centre for Sustainable Technologies (formerly ASTRA)
Date Deposited:	26 Apr 2013 06:24
Last Modified:	26 Apr 2013 06:24
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/46473

Actions (login required)

View Item