Methane–Diesel Dual Fuel Engine: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

A methane–diesel dual fuel engine is a relatively new internal combustion technology which uses both methane and diesel fuels for its operation. Methane–diesel dual fuel engines are basically modified conventional compression ignition engines that use methane (90–95%) as the primary fuel and diesel (5–10%) as the secondary fuel. These engines have good thermal efficiencies at higher load values although the performance is relatively lesser during partial load conditions due to the poor charge utility. The most considerable advantage of using this technology is the substantial reduction in emissions in response to the alarming rate of increase in global warming. This article reviews the research done by past researchers in order to study the combustion process in a methane–diesel dual fuel engine and its emissions (CO, hydrocarbons (HC), NO(x)). The emission measurements and results from an engine dynamometer test are analysed and discussed. A perspective on knocking by varying the primary fuel (methane, LPG, natural gas) is also presented. The characteristics and trends are compared to the conventional diesel engine and its future prospects as a viable alternative to the conventional compression ignition engines.