F2010A069
Advanced Design of Gas Engines
Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is a popular gaseous alternative fuel mostly used in vehicles converted from gasoline vehicles. Propane vehicle power, acceleration, and cruising speed are similar to those of gasoline powered vehicles. The range of dedicated gas injection propane vehicles is generally less than gasoline vehicles because of the 25% lower energy content of propane and lower efficiency of gas injection propane fuel systems. Liquid propane injection engines, recently introduced, promise to deliver fuel economy more comparable to gasoline systems. Propane vehicles can produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions than diesel and gasoline and increase energy security.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) are also popular gaseous alternative fuels. Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) fuelled with CNG or LNG can also produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions, as well as better service lives than gasoline or diesel vehicles and extended time between required maintenance. The driving range of NGVs generally is less than that of comparable gasoline and diesel fueled vehicles because of the lower energy content of natural gas. NGV horsepower, acceleration, and cruise speed are comparable with those of an equivalent conventionally fuelled vehicle. Other benefits of NGVs include increasing energy security and paving the way for fuel cell vehicles.
Technologies for dedicated LPG and NGV engines have not been developed so far as done for gasoline or diesel applications because of the low market share. However, reduction of CO2 emissions and compliance with Euro 6 emission standards for particulate and nitrogen oxides call now for exploring the benefits of new technologies in gas fuelled engines. Therefore, the paper investigates the impact downsizing, turbo charging, advanced direct injection, spark and glow plug high energy bulk ignition, homogeneous and lean stratified charge combustion, alternative modes of low temperature combustion, throttle less load control by valve lift or quantity of fuel injected, reduction of heat transfer and recovery of waste heat have on engine performance and emission.
This abstract is supplemented by a PDF, which can be viewed here.
Session: IC Engines, Goals and Development