The study of a four cylinder S. I. engine fuelled with different compositions of biogas

Abstract

An engine test rig was set up in order to run both on petrol and on different compositions of biogas without any major modifications to the engine. Detailed performance data from the engine as a function of the operating parameters was recorded and presented. The fuel quality of different compositions of biogas was assessed by measuring combustion pressures and by conducting the same experiments using petrol. In this way, a comparative study was carried out using petrol and different compositions of biogas as engine fuel. Biogas was simulated by mixing Methane and Carbon Dioxide in different proportions. The engine was first operated on petrol and then converted to run on different types of biogas. This was achieved by controlling the flow of the two gases which constitute this gas, that is Methane and Carbon Dioxide. The results from this thesis can easily be applied in industry and agriculture sectors where internal combustion engines are used. Overall, biogas proved to be well suited as an engine fuel and the engine performed above expectations.