Performance and emission characteristics of CIE using hydrogen, biodiesel, and massive EGR

Abstract

Hydrogen is considered as an excellent energy carrier and can be used in diesel engines that operate in dual fuel mode. Many studies have shown that biodiesel, which is sustainable, clean, and safe, a good alternative to fossil fuel. However, tests have confirmed that using biodiesel or hydrogen as a fuel or added fuel in compression ignition engines increases NOx concentrations. Cooled or hot exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) effectively controls the NOx outflows of diesel engines. However, this technique is restricted by high particulate matter PM emissions and the low thermal efficiency of diesel engines.In this study, gaseous hydrogen was added to the intake manifold of a diesel engine that uses biodiesel fuel as pilot fuel. The investigation was conducted under heavy-EGR conditions. An EGR system was modified to achieve the highest possible control on the EGR ratio and temperature. Hot EGR was recirculated directly from the engine exhaust to the intake manifold. A heat exchanger was utilized to maintain the temperature of the cooled EGR at 25 °C.The supplied hydrogen increased NOx concentrations in the exhaust gas emissions and high EGR rates reduced the brake thermal efficiency. The reduction in NOx emissions depended on the added hydrogen and the EGR ratios when compared with pure diesel combustion. Adding hydrogen to significant amounts of recycled exhaust gas reduced the CO, PM, and unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions significantly. Results showed that using hydrogen and biodiesel increases engine noise, which is reduced by adding high levels of EGR.