Effect of partial replacement of diesel by natural gas on the performance of diesel engine and fuel economy

Abstract

The study investigated the use of natural gas (NG) for partial replacement of diesel from supply line in a single cylinder stationary diesel engine. The NG ,vas introduced through the intake mainfold along with air. The experiments have been carried out for different shaft power output and diesel replacement under the conditions of constant engine speed (2200 rpm). The experimental results show that the substitution of diesel by NG affect the brake specitic fuel consumption adversely. This is also reHeeted in the brake thermal efficiency of the engine. The use of NG as a partial replacement of diesel is found to be more etIective in cases of higher shaft power output. The results even suggest that the replacement of diesel by NG enables the engine to produce more engine power and thereby carry higher load. <, While considering specific cost estimation it is found that the specific cost of operation at higher substitution of diesel is much less than that at lower substitution of diesel when compared at the most economic operating point and at the current market price.