Comparative studies of methane and propane as fuels for spark ignition and compression ignition engines

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · SAE Spec. Publ.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.4271/831196· OSTI ID:6795540

Karim, G A; Wierzba, I

The paper reviews the combustion characteristics of the two fuels and sets out to consider their respective performance in both spark ignition and compression ignition engines. Results of comparative tests involving spark ignition engines over a wide range of operating conditions are presented and discussed. Some of the performance characteristics considered are those relating to power output, efficiency, tendency to knock, cyclic variations, optimum spark requirements and exhaust emissions. Similarly, some of the performance characteristics in compression ignition engines considered include power output, efficiency, tendency towards knock and autoignition, exhaust emissions and low operational temperature problems. Finally, the relative operational safety aspects of the two fuels are evaluated. It is then suggested that in this regard, methane has some excellent physical, chemical and combustion characteristics that makes it a particularly safe fuel.

• Research Organization: Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
• OSTI ID: 6795540
• Journal Information: SAE Spec. Publ.; (United States), Journal Name: SAE Spec. Publ.; (United States) Vol. SP-548; ISSN SAESA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330101* -- Internal Combustion Engines-- Spark-Ignition
330102 -- Internal Combustion Engines-- Diesel
ALKANES
AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
COMBUSTION PROPERTIES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DIESEL ENGINES
ENGINES
EXHAUST GASES
FLUIDS
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
FUELS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
HEAT ENGINES
HYDROCARBONS
IGNITION
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
METHANE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PROPANE
SAFETY
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES
TESTING
WASTES