Performance, emission and cost analysis of LPG and gasoline in a single cylinder engine

Abstract

An experimental investigation has been carried out on a single cylinder 4-stroke carburetor engine using gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). As there is urgent need to diversify to sustainable and low carbon fuel for transportation and power generation across the globe due to the limited availability, non renewable, global and environmental impact of fossil fuel. In this transition stage there is need for energy vector for propulsion and power generation. This investigation provides a practical study in comparing the use of LPG and gasoline in terms of emissions and cost from a single cylinder production engine. This is necessary as we are now in energy transition stage, and all energy vectors must be investigated for suitability and sustainability as a replacement of high carbon fossil fuel. In this work we are focusing on making internal combustion engine (ICE) fuel to be zero emission compliance or ultra low-carbon. In the obtained test results, it was observed that LPG has a better fuel economy, cheaper, and more environmental friendly. The emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbon (UHC), and nitric oxide (NOx) in using LPG were about 50% lower than gasoline. In addition using LPG also leads to an improved engine service life and lubricants because there is no accumulation of carbon.