Performance optimization through response surface methodology of an integrated coal gasification and CI engine fuelled with diesel and low-grade coal-based producer gas

Abstract

The efficient and optimum utilization of energy resources could bring an encouraging effect on our well-being, atmosphere, and economy. The purpose of the present study is to determine the optimum engine operating condition of dual fuelled engines using low grade coal-based producer gas (PG) and diesel. To do this, variation of gasifier equivalence ratio, engine compression ratio, and engine load has been considered as Gasifier-IC engine input variables to optimize the response of engine performance and emissions using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimization of input variables is mainly attributed to maximize brake power (BP), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and minimize the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and exhaust emission (CO, UHC, CO2, and NOx). In the experiment, a total of 48 number of the experimental matrix were executed to perform RSM optimization and ANOVA sensitivity test. RSM result reveals that the optimal values of independent parameters of equivalence ratio, compression ratio, and engine load are 0.12, 17.01, and 12 kg respectively. The corresponding optimal repose values of BP, BTE, BSFC, CO, UHC, CO2, and NO were observed to the value of 3.54 kW, 28.23%, 0.38 kg/kWh, 0.0231 (% vol), 4.2539 (ppm), 0.9569 (vol %), and 9.6958 ppm respectively. Maximum diesel saving at compression ratio (CR) 16, 17, and 18 observed was 14.38%, 22.48%, and 49.05% respectively using Dual fuel mode.