An investigation of the lean operational limits of gas-fueled spark ignition engines

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Journal of Energy Resources Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2792708· OSTI ID:253698

Badr, O A; Elsayed, N; Karim, G A

Examination is made of the operational limits in two variable compression-ratio single-cylinder engines when operating on the gaseous fuels methane, propane, LPG, and hydrogen under a wide range of conditions. Two definitions for the limits were employed. The first was associated with the first detectable misfire on leaning the mixture, while the second was the first detectable firing under motoring condition in the presence of a spark when the mixture was being enriched slowly. Attempts were also made to relate these limits to the corresponding values for quiescent conditions reckoned on the basis of the flammability limits evaluated at the mean temperature and pressure prevailing within the cylinder charge at the time of the spark. The measured limits in the engine were always higher than the corresponding flammability limit values for the three fuels. Both of these limits appear to correlate reasonably well with the calculated mean temperature of the mixture at the time of passing the spark.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 253698
• Journal Information: Journal of Energy Resources Technology, Journal Name: Journal of Energy Resources Technology Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 118; ISSN 0195-0738; ISSN JERTD2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
08 HYDROGEN
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
COMBUSTION
DETONATION LIMITS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FUEL-AIR RATIO
HYDROGEN FUELS
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES
METHANE
PERFORMANCE
PROPANE
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES