Study of performance parameters of a dual fuel engine with combustion of biomass fuel fed to a downdraft gasifier

Abstract

Present energy use is largely dependent on fossil fuels which makes future sustainable development very difficult. There are drastic changes in the composition and behaviors of our atmosphere due to the rapid release of polluting combustion products from fossil fuels. As the demand of energy is growing rapidly, emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants from industries can be expected to increase unless other alternative are made available. Among the energy sources that can substitute fossil fuels, biomass fuels appear as the option with the highest general worldwide potential. The traditional method of direct combustion of biomass is now replaced by the modern methods of processing of the biomass to more compatible and efficient forms followed by their combustion in various combustion chambers. Modern techniques such as pyrolysis, gasification, fermentation, anaerobic digestion and esterification are much more efficient as compared to the direct combustion process. Biomass is generated in various forms such as agricultural residue, forest waste, sewage sludge, herb residue, etc. Partial combustion of biomass in the gasifiers generated producer gas that can be used for heating purposes and as supplementary or sole fuel in internal combustion engine. A brief introduction to the basic gasifier system and characteristics of producer gas being produced is presented in this report. This report lays emphasis on the proper and efficient use of producer gas in a dual fuel engine along with blends of diesel. Biomass used is the fruit of plant “Pterospermum Acerifolium” commonly known as “Kanak Champa”. The performance and emission parameters of the dual fuel engine are compared with that of diesel engine at different load conditions. The system is experimentally optimized with respect to maximum diesel saving in dual fuel mode operation and 50% diesel consumption reduced in dual fuel when producer gas is used with diesel in comparison to diesel only. NOx level is reduced to 67.8% in dual fuel mode at higher load conditions and at lower load it is reduced by 20%. In the dual fuel mode as compared to diesel fuel mode of running. Slight increase in noise emission of 3.2 dB is observed. Some research papers related to the study of production of producer gas are also presented in this report. Problems and limitations related to the available literature are listed in this report. Some solutions are also suggested at the end of this report.