Performance Assessment of a Small Biogas-fuelled Power Generator Prototype

Himabindu, M and Ravikrishna, RV (2014) Performance Assessment of a Small Biogas-fuelled Power Generator Prototype. In: JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH, 73 (12). pp. 781-785.

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Abstract

This study reports the development and performance evaluation of prototypes of biogas-fuelled stationary power generators in the range of 1 kW. Strategies to achieve high engine efficiency namely pulsed manifold injection, electronic throttle control and dual spark plugs, have been incorporated in the prototype. A complete closed-loop control of the engine operation to maintain a steady engine speed of 3000 rpm (+/- 5%) across the entire load range while maintaining an optimum fuel-air equivalence ratio is made possible by an electronic control unit (ECU) controlling the injection duration, ignition timing and throttle position. This study specifically focuses on the response of the generator to transient loads, and the overall efficiency obtained. The results obtained from testing the prototype have been found to be satisfactory and show that biogas power generators for low power applications can be made efficient (overall efficiency of 19% at electrical load of 640 W) using the strategies of biogas fuel injection.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
Additional Information:	Copyright for this article belongs to the NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR, DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, PUSA CAMPUS, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Mechanical Engineering
Date Deposited:	18 Jan 2015 06:27
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2015 06:27
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/50684

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