Single Cylinder Spark Ignition Engine Research Articles

Improvement of SI engine combustion with ammonia as fuel: Effect of ammonia dissociation prior to combustion

Although recent studies have shown the possibility of running ‘standard’ spark-ignition engines with pure ammonia, the operating range remains limited mainly due to the unfavorable characteristics of ammonia for premixed combustion and often requires the addition of a complementary fuel such as H2 to extend it. As the best way to add H2 is to crack ammonia directly on-board, this paper focuses on the impact of the upstream cracking level of ammonia on the performance and emissions of a single cylinder spark ignition engine. Experiments were performed over several equivalence ratios, dissociation rates and load conditions. It is confirmed that only a slight rate of ammonia dissociation (10%) upstream of the combustion considerably enhances the engine's operating range thanks to a better combustion stability. In terms of pollutant emissions, the partial dissociation of ammonia, especially for slightly lean mixtures induces a very clear trade-off between high NOx and high unburned ammonia level for high and low ammonia dissociation rates, respectively. Therefore, cracking NH3 does not only improve the operating range of ammonia-fueled spark ignition engines but can also help to reduce NH3. However, to reach the same engine output work, higher ammonia fuel consumption will be necessary since the global system efficiency is lower using fuel dissociation. In addition, the global warming effect is increased with dissociation level since a higher level of N2O is generated by the hydrogen contribution.

Enhancement and Analytical Assessment of Single Cylinder Spark Ignition Engine Operated on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Utilizing gaseous fuels, such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), has become widespread in the realm of commercial vehicles. This undertaking is driven by the primary goal of adapting an existing gasoline-fuelled Spark Ignition (SI) engine to seamlessly operate with LPG. Simultaneously, the secondary aim of this Endeavor involves a meticulous examination of the theoretical performance of the engine when fuelled with both LPG and gasoline. A comprehensive analytical comparison has been conducted to scrutinize the engine's performance under these diverse fuel scenarios. The engine under consideration for this scholarly pursuit is a four-stroke single cylinder 7 kW TVS King Bajaj engine. To achieve the desired modification, a meticulously chosen first-generation LPG conversion kit has been identified and seamlessly integrated into the existing gasoline-fuelled engine. This conversion kit comprises essential components such as a mixing unit, pressure regulator, vacuum lock-off and filter, selector switch, solenoid valve, multi-functional valve, and LPG cylinder. After the successful adaptation of the engine to run on both fuels, it was mounted on a water dynamometer to systematically assess its performance and emission characteristics. The outcomes of the analytical engine performance evaluation are remarkable. The brake power output exhibited an impressive 7.2% improvement, coupled with a noteworthy 1.98% reduction in brake specific fuel consumption when the engine operated on LPG instead of gasoline. Moreover, when running on LPG, the engine's brake thermal efficiency experienced a commendable boost of 2.66%. These discerning parametric analyses underscore LPG as an up-and-coming alternative to gasoline, not only in terms of performance but also in consideration of anti knock properties, emission characteristics, and the cost-effectiveness of the fuel.

Investigation study for the effect using LPG on characteristics of gasoline engine

ABSTRACT This paper presents an experimental study of the effectusing LPG instead of gasoline fuel on single-cylinder spark-ignition engine characteristics. The experiments were carried out at different engine loads and variable engine speed of (2400–3600) rpm. Significantreductionin brake specific fuel consumption by (5.42%)when LPG fuel was used as compared to gasoline. The use of LPG leads to a decrease in volumetric efficiency and brake thermal efficiency. The concentration CO and CO2 emissions is decreased by (11.54%, 14.4%) respectively with LPG compared to gasoline, except for the concentration of NOx, which increases by (10.8%) due to higher cylinder pressure and temperature in the case of LPG fuel compared to gasoline. The obtained results are validated with the same case study numerically with the help of simulation software Diesel-rk as well as with the results of other researchers.

One-dimensional numerical simulations of single-cylinder spark ignition engine fuelled H2O based emulsion fuel, methanol blends, and gasoline conventional

In this work, we have used two types of renewable fuels for testing in one-dimensional simulation software and comparing its performance and emission characteristics with 100% Gasoline fuel. For this work, we have used ethanol 20%-H2O 2%, and gasoline 90% based micro-emulsion fuel and blends of 20% Methanol in 80% Gasoline fuel as an Alternative fuel. This work is done computationally on one-dimensional licensed AVL Boost Simulation Software. The micro-emulsion fuel was prepared in the lab by adding ethanol as co-surfactant and H2O as an additive in the blended fuel. The other alternative fuel Methanol blended 20% with Gasoline 80% is also used to test the performance and emission characteristics of multi-cylinder Spark Ignition Engine. This is a novel based work done to improve the performance and Emissions of 3- Cylinder Spark Ignition Engine. The performance parameters like power, Torque, BSFC, BMEP, showed better results & emissions like CO, HC, & NOx showed significant decrease as compared to conventional 100% Gasoline fuel. Micro-emulsion fuel were better in emissions particularly NOx, which showed 25% decreases than Methanol fuel. Also showed slightly better power & Torque output by 10% than Methanol blend. Both the renewable fuel were compared with gasoline 100%.

Experimental investigation of alcohol blending effect on the performances of a single cylinder spark-ignition marine engine

This work represents an experimental study on the performances of a single cylinder spark-ignition marine engine fueled by ethanol blends. Several studies have been carried out to investigate the use of alternative fuels in spark-ignition engines to improve their efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. The experiments have been conducted on a test bed under full load condition with varied engine speed from 1000 rpm to 3000 rpm and an engine wall’s temperature fixed between 75°C – 85°C. The study includes the blending of ethanol and gasoline with different blending ratios (E0, E5, E15, and E20). The results of the study showed that E15 conducted for better results in specific fuel consumption without notable loss in engine performances in comparison with other blends. Experiments showed that ethanol blends are a viable option as a fuel alternative in spark-ignition engines due to its potential to conserve acceptable engine performances.

Performance Evaluation of a Single Cylinder Spark Ignition Engine Fuelled by Mixing Ethanol and Gasoline

The use of ethanol blend as an alternative source of fuel for developing clean and sustainable energy sources has grown considerably. In this study, the performance characteristics of an air-cooled, single-cylinder 4-stroke Spark Ignition (SI) engine (TD201) with a compression ratio of 8.5:1 was determined using gasoline and different blend ratios of ethanol and gasoline (E0, E2, E4, E6, E8, E10, and E12) at a varied engine speed of 2000rpm, 2200rpm, 2400rpm, 2600rpm and 2800rpm. The results revealed that as the ethanol content of the blend increases, the heating value decreases while octane value increases. The experimental results indicated that the brake torque, and power increase as the ethanol content in the blends increases. However, BSFC and exhaust temperature decreases as the ethanol content in the blends increases because of the oxygen enrichment. The emissions of unburned hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide reduce while carbon dioxide and ethanol content increases when compared with the reference fuel (E0).

Effects of variable valve timing on the air flow parameters in an electromechanical valve mechanism – A cfd study

In this study, volumetric efficiency, air flow rates, and cylinder pressure values were experimentally determined for a single-cylinder spark-ignition engine having conventional camshafts. Cold flow analysis was carried out using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method with importing combustion chamber and flow volumes of the suction and exhaust ports of the engine. After validating analyzes results with experimental data for different revolutions (RPMs), analyses were repeated using electromechanical valve mechanism (EMV) cam profiles. In the case of using EMV, advancing the intake valve opening time and advancing and retarding exhaust valve closing were simulated with CFD software. Simulations where different cam profiles were used for each revolution, volumetric efficiency, in-cylinder pressure, swirl and tumble ratio, in-cylinder total mass, and air flow rates in the cylinder were investigated numerically. As a result of the obtained data, it was seen that the use of EMV at low RPMs caused a decrease in the volumetric efficiency according to the conventional camshaft valve lifting amount and timing and it caused an increase in the volumetric efficiency at high RPMs. According to the results, it was understood that the effect of intake valve closing time is important on volumetric efficiency. Additionally, this study shows that the swirl ratio is significantly affected by EMV system.

Experimental Investigation of the Hydroxy Gas Generation as a Clean Energy Source for Spark Ignition Engine Operation Using Different Electrolytes

The main objective of this research is to generate the hydrogen gas as a fuel and part of hydroxy gas (HHO) from the drinking water (H2O) using electrolyzing method with a different electrolytes such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), and Vinegar in HHO generator for best results, the practical examinations were done by a generator that designed and built for this purpose using plate electrodes, with a rechargeable 12-volt battery and the produced gas was measured at each case and used as a fuel for operating a small single-cylinder spark-ignition engine (Honda G 200) with taking into account the safety precautions. The results show that increasing the ratio of (NaOH) grams/liter of H2O increases the gas production, while the other two electrolytes (Na2CO3 and vinegar) are not effecting too much, and using the mixing procedure (%) of the electrolytes (NaOH with Na2CO3) and (Na2CO3 with Vinegar), it is observed that the HHO generation noticeable increases with increasing the mixing ratio of the first mixture and not too much with the second.

Experimental study of mechanical losses of single-cylinder spark-ignited engine

Experimental study of mechanical losses of single-cylinder spark-ignited engine

Theoretical and Experimental Studies on The Combustion of Synthetic Fuels in Spark Ignition Engines.(Dept.M)

A theoretical and experimental investigation on the performance and emission of spark ignition engine have been made using gasoline, alcohol and gasoline-alcohol mixture as fuels. A thermodynamic model has been developed with superimposed pseudo-kinetic NO and CO formation. This has been used to compute estimated performance and emission data for a spark ignition engine. The model has also been used to compare the prediction performance and emission data when operating the engine with methanol, ethanol and gasoline fuels. A series of an experimental tests were carried out on a single cylinder spark ignition engine to confirm the theoretical results of the mathematical model. Comparison of results indicates that alcohol seems to be a viable alternative fuel to gasoline with respect to efficient, operational and emission considerations.

Influence of Swirl Flow on Combustion and Emissions in Spark-Ignition Experimental Engine

AbstractThis paper presents a numerical study of swirl flow effects on the combustion and emissions in single-cylinder spark ignition engine. First, a three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dyn...

Computational optimization of CH4/H2/CO blends in a spark-ignition engine using quasi-dimensional combustion model

Recent research has proven that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling in combination with a genetic algorithm (GA) algorithm is an effective methodology to optimize the design of internal combustion (IC) engines. However, this approach is time consuming, which limits the practical application of it. This study addresses this issue by using a quasi-dimensional (QD) model in combination with a GA to find optimal fuel composition in a spark ignition (SI) engine operated with CH4/H2/CO fuel blends. The QD model for the simulation of combustion of the fuel blends coupled with a chemical kinetics tool for ignition chemistry was validated with respect to measured pressure traces and NOx emissions of a small size single-cylinder SI engine operated with CH4/H2 blends. Calibration was carried out to assess the predictive capability of the QD model, and the effect of hydrogen addition on the lean limit extension of the methane fueled engine was studied. A GA approach was then used to optimize the blend composition and engine input parameters based on a fitness function. The QD-GA methodology was implemented to simultaneously investigate the effects of three input parameters, i.e., fuel composition, air–fuel equivalence ratio and spark timing on NOxemissions and indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) for the engine. The results found indicated that this approach could provide optimal fuel blends and operating conditions with considerable lower NOx emissions together with improved thermal efficiencies compared to the methane fueled engine. The presented computationally-efficient methodology can also be used for other fuel blends and engine configurations.

The Effect of Injection Parameters on Fuel Consumption and Emissions in A PFI Small Spark Ignition Engine

Mixture formation in port fuel spark ignition engines is one of the most im-portant parameters, which affect combustion and emissions. In this study, the ef-fects of different injection start timings and some other port fuel injection (PFI) parameters on the performance and emissions of a water cooled and single cylin-der spark ignition engine were examined experimentally. The experiments were performed at different engine speeds (1200 and 1500 rpm for effect of injection pressure and 1500 rpm for changing injection timings) and different engine loads (3 bar and 5 bar for injection pressure and 1 bar and 5 bar for start of injection). The start of injection was chosen according to intake pressure measurements. The experiment results showed that brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions are increased by the increase of the injection pressure. Because with the increase of injection pressure, the fuel can reach the intake manifold wall or intake valve. Therefore, the fuel enters the cylinder as a droplet. Different start of injection experiments showed that injection times have an effect on emissions and performance. The minimum brake specific fuel con-sumption and THC values were obtained at -243 °CA value of injection start. The twice injection in one cycle increased brake specific fuel consumption and THC emissions.

Parametric Investigation on Single Cylinder Spark Ignition Engine Fueled Methanol Blends; Water-Based Micro Emulsions and Conventional Gasoline

In this contribution, the investigation conducted on alternative fuels includes methanol 20% blended with gasoline 80% and emulsion-based fuel with the composition of gasoline 80%, ethanol 15%, and H2O 5% are compared with 100% conventional gasoline fuel. These fueled single-cylinders spark ignition engine is studied for checking their performance and emission characteristics as per future emission norms. This work is performed on One-dimensional AVL Boost Simulation Software. The simulations predicted the performance and emission characteristics were far lesser than conventional 100% gasoline. These fuels meet the strict emission regulations of Euro VII. The main purpose of this investigation is to use alternative fuels to improve the performance and emission characteristics of the single- cylinder spark ignition engine and reduce the consumption of fossil fuel reserves. This investigation led to the conclusion that by using methanol 20% in 80% gasoline and micro-emulsion, fuel improves the power, BSFC (brake specific fuel consumption), thermal efficiency and combustion properties of the single-cylinder spark-ignition engine. The CO, HC and NOx emissions were also reduced for alternative fuel than 100% gasoline fuel. The novel water-based emulsion fuel showed the lowest value of NOx emissions as compared to blended 20% methanol with 80% gasoline and 100% gasoline fuel.

Comparative assessment of stoichiometric and lean combustion modes in boosted spark-ignition engine fueled with syngas

Synthesis gas (syngas) is considered an intermediate step between conventional carbon-based fuels and future hydrogen-based fuels. Spark-ignition (SI) engines are suitable for converting the chemical energy of syngas for small-scale electrical power generation. However, syngas-fueled SI engines have lower power outputs and thermal efficiencies than SI engines fueled with conventional fuels such as gasoline and natural gas do. The objective of this study was to compare the stoichiometric and lean combustion modes in a single-cylinder SI engine to determine the optimal combustion mode for the development of a syngas engine generator with high power and high efficiency. A high gross indicate power was achieved in the stoichiometric combustion mode by increasing the intake pressure, owing to the increase in the volumetric efficiency and syngas fuel input. The gross indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) improved as the compression ratio was increased from 10:1 to 17.1:1, owing to the high peak heat release rate and short combustion duration. In the lean combustion mode, high gross ITEs were achieved by increasing the excess air ratio to 2.5, but the additional increase led to low combustion efficiencies. However, the gross indicated power decreased with an increase in the excess air ratio. The low gross indicated power was increased through intake boosting. Based on a parametric study, the optimal compression ratio for the stoichiometric combustion mode was selected to be 15:1. Pre-ignition occurred in the stoichiometric combustion mode at a compression ratio of 17.1:1 and an intake pressure of 0.16 MPa. Engine operation with a high compression ratio of 17.1:1 was possible in the lean combustion mode owing to the low combustion temperature. The gross ITE in the lean combustion mode was 18.4% higher than that in the stoichiometric combustion mode, mainly because of a significant reduction in the heat transfer loss. However, the gross indicated power in the lean combustion mode was 25.6% lower than that in the stoichiometric combustion mode.

Influence of plasma-assisted ignition on flame propagation and performance in a spark-ignition engine

Lean-burn is an attractive concept for reasons of high thermal efficiency and low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, however, successful implementation in spark-ignition (SI) engines turned out to be challenging because of misfire or partial burn caused by attenuated flame propagation. In order to overcome this issue, microwave-assisted plasma ignition system (MAPIS) has been applied in combustion systems. The MAPIS consists of a conventional ignition coil, a non-resistor spark plug, a mixing unit, a waveguide, and a magnetron (2.45GHz, 3kW). A series of experiments was carried out to understand discharge characteristics and to validate its performance in a constant volume vessel as well as in a single-cylinder spark-ignition engine. The fundamental investigation based on optical emission spectroscopy and flame imaging showed that the ejection of the microwave was beneficial to produce more reactive species such as OH and O radicals thanks to higher electron temperature than conventional spark ignition. The lean limit was able to be extended up to an equivalence ratio of 0.5 based on a larger initial flame kernel size with MAPIS in the vessel test. Meanwhile, in the engine test, combustion stability was noticeably improved showing smaller cycle-to-cycle fluctuations in in-cylinder pressure. Improvement in fuel efficiency up to 6% could be achieved by stable operation under fuel-lean conditions. In terms of emissions, MAPIS was advantageous to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by promoting more complete combustion.

Performance of direct injected propane and gasoline in a high stroke-to-bore ratio SI engine: Pathways to diesel efficiency parity with ultra low soot

This work explores pathways to achieve diesel-like, high-efficiency combustion with stoichiometric 3-way catalyst compatible combustion in a single-cylinder spark ignition (SI) research engine. A unique high stroke-to-bore engine design (1.5:1) with cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and high compression ratio ( rc) was used to improve engine efficiency by up to 30% compared with a production turbocharged gasoline direct injection spark ignition engine. Engine experiments were conducted with both 91 RON E10 gasoline and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) (i.e. autogas) and were compared to legacy gasoline data on the production engine. Geometric compression ratio ( rc) of 13.3:1 was used for both fuels with additional experiments at 16.8:1 for LPG only. Measurements of exhaust soot particle size and number concentrations were made with both fuels. Significant reduction in soot particles across the whole particle size range were achieved with LPG due to the elimination of in-cylinder liquid films. The effects of EGR, late intake valve closing (IVC) and fuel characteristics were investigated through their effects on efficiency, combustion stability and soot production. Results of 47% gross thermal efficiency, and 45% net thermal efficiency at stoichiometric engine operation, at up to 17 bar IMEP and 2000 r/min with 16.8:1 rc were achieved with LPG. Estimated brake efficiency values were compared to a contemporary medium duty diesel engine illustrating the benefits of the chosen path for achieving diesel efficiency parity.

Emission test on four-stroke single-cylinder S.IENGINE by optimised convergent-type intake manifold

ABSTRACT Nowadays, automobile has become a part of human life, especially two wheelers. In the recent era, the production of two wheelers has increased significantly which leads to an increase in emissions. In this research work, a single-cylinder spark ignition engine is chosen to improve its performance by analysing the intake manifold through the theory of convergent principle convergent. This work focuses on the design of an intake manifold with optimised convergent to the study of the air flow through designed intake manifold has been performed by using CFD analysis software. On comparison of the analysis results, an optimised intake manifold, which increases maximum air flow velocity inside the cylinder, has been selected for efficient combustion. Experimental Studies on emission level reduction show that the flow harnessing in intake manifold of IC engine can yield improvement in engine torque up to 10% along with a nominal decrease in emission level.

Performance and emission characteristics of a single cylinder spark ignition engine fuelled by ethanol-H2O based micro-emulsion, blended ethanol, and CNG as an alternative fuel

In this work, the 15% ethanol blended with gasoline 85% micro-emulsions, and CNG were computationally investigated on one-dimensional simulation software AVL Boost for predicting the emission and performance of the single cylinder spark ignition engine. The engine properties taken for the single cylinder spark ignition engine are the same engine that is present in the lab as the constant speed single cylinder based generator. The water based emulsion fuel, which is prepared in the lab taking its composition as gasoline 85%, ethanol 15%, and H2O 5%, and the same composition was used in the AVL Boost Software. Finally, CNG was also used to check its emissions and performance on the same software and then was compared with the micro-emulsion and ethanol blended gasoline. This study explains how the three types of fuel performed on the same engine and predicted its performance and emission formation comparatively.

Computational parametric investigation on single cylinder constant speed spark ignition engine fuelled water-based micro-emulsion, ethanol blends, and conventional gasoline

In this contribution two Alternative fuels in fixed proportions were compared with conventional 100% gasoline fuel on a constant Speed single cylinder based generator. This work defines the complete state of the art work done on computational Simulation Software on AVL Boost. In this work, we have compared the performance and emission characteristics of single cylinder spark Ignition engine constant speed of 3000 rpm fuelled conventional Gasoline 100% with blended Alternative fuel Ethanol15% with 85% Gasoline, and water-Ethanol based micro-emulsion fuel Gasoline 85% Ethanol 10% and H2O 5% on licence based Simulation Software AVL Boost. The performance parameters were checked for all the three types of fuels and emission characteristics were compared with all the three types of fuels. The results were very promising for water-Ethanol based micro-emulsion fuel as far as the emission characteristics are concerned. Ethanol 15% blends with 85% Gasoline also showed very less emissions as compared to conventional 100% Gasoline. The power & Torque has shown slightly more increase for conventional 100% Gasoline fuel as compared to other two Alternative Fuels. However, emissions were far lesser for water-Ethanol based micro-emulsion and Ethanol blended fuel. The main aim of this investigation is to reduce the emissions and trying to meet the future emission standards Euro 7.