Dual combustion oxyhydrogen-diesel: Effects on internal components of engine

Abstract

In Mexico, diesel is the second most used fuel, representing 28% of the national consumption, being the largest greenhouse gas emitter. In this work, the diesel engine can run smoothly in dual combustion mode diesel fuel/oxyhydrogen gas (OH2G) because OH2G fed to the diesel engine is limited by the volume available in the combustion chamber; this allows the timing and pressure in the combustion chamber to be kept within the limits of the engine y a combustion without detonations was observed, the existing infrastructure is used, and the consumption of diesel and contaminants emissions could be reduced. This study shows the effects produced in the engine combustion chamber by the dual combustion process of diesel fuel/oxyhydrogen after 500 h of operation. Two air-cooled mono-cylinder diesel engines with a displacement of 405 cm3 were operated; a D100 engine was operated with 100% diesel and OH210 engine in dual combustion (diesel fuel/oxyhydrogen) was operated. Both engines were maintained at 40% load with respect to their maximum power during 500 h OH2G was generated in situ by alkaline electrolysis, and a flow of 2 sL min-1 was fed through the intake port during the suction stroke of the engine. Visual analysis, weight and dimensions of the engine parts, metallographic analysis, oil analysis, and electrolyte drag were used to determine the effects on the component materials. For the engine with dual combustion, diesel fuel/oxyhydrogen, was no structural damage to the engine components, although a slight corrosion onset was observed in some components, such as the piston ring. Moreover, iron and aluminum in the oil were off-standard, which is attributed to the corrosion processes occurring because of water steam containing electrolyte traces being fed to the engine with the oxyhydrogen gas. This implies that more oil changes are necessary within a short period. Therefore, a more robust gas purification process will be implemented, and the injection system will be optimized.