Abstract
In this work, we present the experimental results obtained from hydrogen fuelled spark-ignited dual piston free-piston engine generator (FPEG) prototype operated in two-stroke and four-stroke mode. The FPEG testing was successfully conducted at 3.7 compression ratio, engine speed between 5 Hz and 11 Hz and with different equivalence ratios. The FPEG technical details, experimental set-up and operational control are explained in detail. Performance indicators show that both equivalence ratio and engine speed affect the engine operation characteristics. For every set of specified FPEG parameters, appropriate range of equivalence ratio is recommended to prevent unwanted disturbance to electric generator operation. Both two-stroke and four-stroke cycle mode were tested, and the results showed different combustion characteristics with the two thermodynamic cycles. Four-stroke cycle mode could operate with indicated thermal efficiency gain up to 13.2% compared with the two-stroke cycle.
Highlights
In 2016, energy consumed by the transportation sector accounted for 19.5% of total world energy consumption [1] with crude oil-based fuels accounting for 94% [1,2]
The free-piston engine generator (FPEG) prototype was operated according to both two-stroke and four-stroke thermodynamic cycle; the valve timings and spark ignition initiation were controlled based on piston displacement and velocity feedback
Performance analysis The influence of equivalence ratio on the performance of FPEG prototype operated in two-stroke mode at frequency of 5 Hz are evaluated and presented
Summary
In 2016, energy consumed by the transportation sector accounted for 19.5% of total world energy consumption [1] with crude oil-based fuels accounting for 94% [1,2]. World crude oil reserves are not infinite and the associated environmental impact of continuous use of crude oil-based fuels for transportation at the current rate is an international concern. At the current rate of consumption of crude oil-based fuels, the world crude oil reserves can only last for 50 years [3]. Some alternative automotive technologies have been proposed to tackle the environmental impact of emissions from crude oil-based fuels, and adopting alternative fuels is one of them [4]. As a result of advantages offered by hydrogen fuel, it is considered by some as an ideal fuel to power arising technologies like the free-piston engine generator
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
