Abstract
THE cost of stationary power in New Mexico and other western states has escalated during the last decade due to the high prices of electricity and natural gas. The research herein reported is an attempt to optimize the efficiency of natural gas engines which are used for stationary application such as powering irrigation pumping plants. Emphasis was on automotive-type engines converted to natural gas, both with and without high-compression pistons. The results indicate that air-fuel ratio may be considerable more important than was previously thought in the efficiency of the engine. Air-fuel ratios above 22 gave the most efficient performance. Spark timing, load, compression ratio, and engine speed also affected engine efficiency. Spark timing of about 35 to 40 deg before top dead center appeared to be optimum for an 8.6:1 compression ratio engine, whereas spark advance of 30 to 35 deg gave better efficiency for an engine with 9.4:1 compression ratio. Engine speed had a nearly linear effect on efficiency with lower speeds giving higher efficiencies. Engine load had a significant effect on efficiency with the highest efficiency occurring at maximum load.
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