Development of mathematical models for engine performance and emissions of the producer gas-diesel dual fuel mode using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Gasification is a renewable technology used to convert agro-waste to combustible gas, called producer gas. The gas can partially replace diesel fuel, thereby increasing agro-waste exploitation and reducing fossil fuel demand. Many previous studies have focused on technical feasibility and improvement of engine performance and combustion characteristics using the approach of one factor at a time. This study developed the mathematical models of engine performance (i.e., specific diesel consumption (SDC), specific energy consumption (SEC), electricity-thermal efficiency (ETE)) and flue gas emissions for a dual producer gas-diesel engine using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Three explanatory variables were considered, including diesel injection time (DIT), gas flow rate (Gas), and engine load (Load). The findings highlighted that all the developed models are significant, and only less than 0.05% that the models could occur due to noise. Gas is the most influential attribute of all the response variables, and the engine load was statistically significant for all the response variables (except the specific nitrogen oxide emission). The DIT factor affected the specific carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions only. The interaction effects of Gas and Load on the SEC and specific carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions were negatively significant. The interaction effect of Gas and DIT statistically influenced the specific hydrocarbon emission. The findings are informative for future studies of life cycle assessment, decision-making process, net energy analysis of biomass-based producer gas production, etc.

Keywords

• experimental design
• engine performance
• emissions
• dual fuel engine
• synthesis gas
• diesel genset