Implementation of packed column for biogas purification as fuel for motorcycle injection systems for performance improvement

Abstract

The use of gasoline for primary energy consumption can reduce crude oil, contained in the earth. The development of alternative fuels such as biogas and biofuel is very critical to overcoming this problem. Biogas requires purification to remove some contaminant particles that interfere with the combustion process. The packed column is generally applied to absorb and separate gas and liquid mixture. It is more efficient due to the liquid flows down the column of steam naturally without the supply of energy from outside the system. This study focuses on determining the effect of the packed column biogas purification process. Biogas is applied as an alternative fuel in spark-ignition engines (SIE). The test is carried out using a chassis dynamometer to obtain power and torque data. The use of the packed column for biogas fuel purification can produce higher performance compared to unrefined biogas. The unrefined biogas still contains impurities that can interfere with the combustion process. This condition is proven by measuring the power and torque of the vehicle on the chassis dynamometer, where the filtered biogas produces higher power and torque. Tests were carried out both using the packed column and without the packed column. Variations from speed to torque, to power, to SFC and BMEP are considered. In this study, validation is in good agreement with previous studies. Overall, the results show that the average error between using the packed column and without the packed column for torque, power, SFC and BMEP is increased by approximately 7 %. Purification of biogas using the packed column using Ca(OH)2 can bind CO2 and obtain pure methane gas with a higher heating value. In conclusion, the packed column for biogas purification as fuel for motorcycle injection systems can be applied