Evaluation of a motor generator adapted to biogas

Abstract

With the need to reduce the environmental impacts caused by fossil fuels and minimize the problems caused by a possible crisis arising from price increases or even energy shortages, alternative and renewable ways to replace such non-renewable sources are sought. them. Among the various forms, there is biogas, which can be used as fuel in internal combustion engines. In this context, the present work aimed to evaluate a motor generator adapted to biogas. A 4-stroke, single-cylinder, gasoline-powered motor generator was used, with a nominal power of 6.5 HP. The tests were carried out, taking 6 times with an interval of 10 minutes each, where the rotations and energy consumption of the motor were measured, in addition to the voltage and electric current generated to supply the resistive load. The resistive load used in the motor generator was provided by lighting seven incandescent lamps of 100W nominal each, resulting in a verified measurement of 510W, which was maintained throughout the test. The motor-generator set consumed an average volumetric flow of 1.97m³ h-¹ and an average mass flow of 1.228 kg h-¹ for a generator power of 501 W and a set efficiency of 7.53%.