Effect of producer gas from redgram stalk and combustion chamber types on the emission and performance characteristics of diesel engine

Abstract

The engine performance has been improved by modifying the combustion chamber shape of the diesel engine for dual-fuel operation with liquid fuel and producer gas (PG). The combined effect of gaseous fuel from redgram stalk and combustion chamber type on the emission and performance of blended-fuel of diesel and HOME biodiesel–PG has been investigated. In this experimental study, four varieties of combustion chambers hemispherical (HCC), low swirl (LSCC), dual swirl (DSCC), and toroidal re-entrant (TRCC) were analyzed comprehensively. The results presented that the TRCC configuration with a given nozzle geometry has 9% improved brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and 10.4% lower exhaust gas temperature (EGT). The smoke, unburnt hydrocarbon (UBHC), and carbon monoxide (CO) decreased by 10–40%, but a 9% increase in nitrogen oxides (NOX) emission levels was observed with TRCC. The delay period and combustion period were decreased by 5% and 7%. The fuel replacement of about 71% for the diesel–PG combination with HCC and 68% for the HOME–PG combination with TRCC was achieved.