Operation of a Caterpillar 3516 spark-ignited engine on low-Btu fuel

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3240061· OSTI ID:5533991

Macari, N C; Richardson, R D

The use of an engine-generator package, fueled by landfill gas, to produce usable electrical power has generated considerable interest among both landfill operators and engine manufacturers. Landfill gas operation presents some unusual technical challenges that require preparation of the gas prior to engine consumption as well as modifications to the spark-ignited engine. The primary obstacles to landfill gas operation are the low-Btu content of the gas, its poor combustion characteristics, and fluctuations in the heating value of the gas. Even so, the engine was not derated from the standard natural gas generator set rating of 762 kW net electrical output. In addition, the engine performance was optimized to meet the EPA site laws for stationary gas engines while still maintaining very low brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). Finally, 90 days of continuous operation demonstrated engine durability.

• Research Organization: Caterpillar, Inc., Peoria, IL
• OSTI ID: 5533991
• Journal Information: J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power; (United States), Journal Name: J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power; (United States) Vol. 109:4; ISSN JETPE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330101 -- Internal Combustion Engines-- Spark-Ignition
ALKANES
AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COMBUSTION PROPERTIES
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENGINES
FLUIDS
FUEL CONSUMPTION
FUEL GAS
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
HEAT ENGINES
HYDROCARBONS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
LOW BTU GAS
METHANE
OPERATION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
POWER RANGE 100-1000 KW
REGULATIONS
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES