BIOGAS AS A FUEL FOR SPARK IGNITION ENGINES

Since 1979 the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Invermay Agricultural Research Centre has been evaluating the use of green crops as a source of methane fuel for motor vehicles. In a joint project with the automotive section of the engineering department at the Otago Polytechnic, four vehicles have been converted to compressed biogas. Measurements of power output, torque and exhaust emissions with biogas having varying percentages of methane and carbon dioxide have been undertaken with comparisons made against premium grade gasoline. Four standard designs of compressed natural gas conversion kits have been investigated and modifications for biogas determined. From this work an inexpensive gas- air mixer has been designed for negative feed conversion equipment. Engine tuning for methane has been found to require greater accuracy than for gasoline, with the ignition quality, spark timing and air- fuel mixture adjustments being more critical. The paper is No. 83020. (TRRL)

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 20.1-16

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00382028
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: ARRB
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Apr 30 1984 12:00AM