Operation of a Spark Ignition Engine With High Compression Ratio Using Biogas Blended With Natural Gas, Propane, and Hydrogen

This research evaluated the operational conditions for a diesel engine with high compression ratio (CR) converted to spark ignition (SI), under stable combustion conditions close to the knocking threshold. The main fuel used in the engine was biogas, which was blended with natural gas, propane, and hydrogen. The engine limit to test the maximum output power was using the knocking threshold; just below the knocking threshold, the output power and generating efficiency are the highest for each blend. Leaner mixtures increased the engine knocking tendency because the required increase in the % throttle reduced the pressure drop at the inlet stroke and increased the mixture pressure at the end of the compression stroke, which finally reduced the ignition delay time of the end gas and increased the knocking tendency of the engine for all the blends. Therefore, the output power should be decreased to operate the engine below to the knocking threshold. Purified biogas achieved the highest output power and generating efficiency compared with the other blends and the original diesel operation; this blend was operated with five equivalence ratios. Purified biogas exhibits an optimal balance between knocking resistance, low heating value, flame speed, and energy density.