Utilization of Low-Calorific Gaseous Fuel in a Direct-Injection Diesel Engine

Abstract

Low-calorific gases with a small portion of hydrogen are produced in various chemical processes, such as gasification of solid wastes or biomass. The aim of this study is to clarify the efficient usage of these gases in diesel engines used for power generation. Effects of amount and composition of low-calorific gases on diesel engine performance and exhaust emissions were experimentally investigated adding hydrogen-nitrogen mixtures into the intake gas of a single-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine. The results indicate that optimal usage of low-calorific gases improves NOx and Smoke emissions with remarkable saving in diesel fuel consumption.