This paper presents the results of computational research investigations on a V6 TCI BI-TURBO spark ignition engine, using petrol and methane as alternative fuels under variable load and constant speed operation. The aim of these investigations is to explore the successful possibilities of turbo-charging the spark ignition engines needed for power generation and other constant speed operations. Emission characteristics. This will help in the compact design of such a category of engines.
The investigations were done in the professional thermodynamic simulation software named as AVL BOOST. This software uses the concepts and laws of thermodynamics and gas dynamics for solving engine related problems. Models for combustion analysis, frictional power calculations, heat transfer analysis etc are used for assisting in solving the problems while trying to arrive at required conclusions. The numerical methods are used for solving the equations involved.
The model for a V6 TCI BI-TURBO spark ignition engine was selected for the above mentioned research investigations.
The model was first run in the petrol mode under constant speed operation. The air-fuel ratio was varied during these simulations which actually represents the variable load condition for the same. The results were generated for the octane number requirement as well as performance and emissions characteristics.
The investigations were repeated by using methane as an alternative fuel to petrol for the above engine under similar running conditions.
The computational investigations on the engine shows successful performance with both petrol and methane as fuels while demanding much higher octane ratings for both of these fuels than available commercially.
The petrol version of the engine produces more power than the methane version whereas the brake specific fuel consumption of the engine in the petrol mode is lower than that in the methane mode. The petrol version of the engine produces higher CO emissions than methane version whereas the methane version of the engine produces lesser HC and NOx emissions than the petrol version.
Multi-cylinder Engine, Spark Ignition, Petrol, Methane, Turbo-charging, Constant Speed, Variable Load, Octane Requirement, Performance and Emissions
