Analysis of thermodynamic scope engine simulation model empirical coefficients: Suitability assessment and tuning of conventional hydrocarbon fuel coefficients for bio syngas

Abstract

The sensitivity of empirical correlations and coefficients of thermodynamic quasi and zero dimensional SI engine models to mixture thermo-chemistry and engine thermo-kinematic response variations is addressed. Mixture thermo-chemistry alterations, as in case engine operation with non-regular alternatives, and accompanying in-cylinder fluid flow and combustion dynamics perturbations induce variations in full cycle thermodynamic and process thermo-kinematic response with potential influence on empirical coefficients. As an example, producer gas and natural gas thermo-physical properties differ significantly, extending to thermo-kinematic response over a range of operating conditions. Literature indicates monotonous adoptions of conventional fuel coefficients for simulation studies with non-regular fuels and tuning efforts are directed at initial and boundary conditions, which are many times thermodynamically untenable. The current work evaluates the suitability of empirical correlations and coefficients tuned for conventional hydrocarbon fuels, for numerical simulation of producer gas fuelled operation. Producer gas specific coefficients are evolved, following a generic approach, wherever necessary.Assessment of producer gas thermo-physical properties indicates four times higher thermal conductivity of producer gas (40.0 mW/mK) compared to gasoline (11.2 mW/mK), attributed to the presence of hydrogen. The influence is on convective cooling which is reflected in about 32% cooling load as against 25% for spark ignited engines. In response, the Reynolds number power coefficient of convective heat transfer correlation nearly doubles from 0.35 to 0.76. Analysing laminar flame speed coefficients, the inability of CHEMKIN-III to accurately predict laminar flame speed of hydrogen containing gases requiring adoption of CHEMKIN-II is a key observation. Substantial deviations are also observed for apparent heat release profiles with extended terminal stage combustion duration for producer gas, attributed to enhanced convective cooling. Curve fit analysis evolves producer gas specific shape and efficiency coefficients of 0.71 and 2.23 as against 2.0 and 5.0 for conventional fuels. The terminal combustion duration also changes from 1.22 to 2.12 ms. Using tuned coefficients permits near concurrent evolution of simulation and experimental pressure and heat release profiles establishing the need for fuel specific coefficients.