Investigation on performance, combustion and emission characteristics of 4-stroke four cylinder hydrogen fuelled SI engine

Abstract

In respect of depletion of fossil fuel and its harmful effect on the environment, research on alternative fuel engines has fascinated large attention from the engine society. Among the several options considered today, hydrogen conceivably the ideal fuel in view of its immeasurable clean-burning qualities, source availabilities and thus promises to be the greatest potential fuel. This article explores the investigation on combustion, performance and emission characteristics of four-cylinder, four-stroke spark ignition (SI) engine experimentally. Tests were carried out by using pure gasoline and pure hydrogen by different loads and speeds at static ignition timing of 5-degree crank angle before top dead center (deg. CA bTDC). The experimental study discovered the decrement in brake power along with volumetric efficiency and increment in brake thermal efficiency with hydrogen fuel engine operation compared to gasoline operation. In-cylinder pressure is notably increased with hydrogen and peak pressure was shifted towards TDC in comparison with gasoline engine operation. The net heat release rate is enhanced with neat hydrogen engine operation compared to gasoline. The emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) were condensed and a nitrogen oxide (NOx) was amplified for hydrogen compared to gasoline engine operation. © 2021 Author(s).