Development of producer gas engines

Abstract

This paper summarizes the findings involved in the development of producer gas fuelled reciprocating engines over a time frame of six years. The high octane rating, ultra clean and low energy density producer gas derived from biomass has been examined. Development efforts are aimed at a fundamental level, wherein the parametric effects of compression ratio and ignition timing on the power output are studied. These findings are subsequently applied in the adaptation of commercially available gas engines at two different power levels and make. Design of a producer gas carburetor also formed a part of this developmental activity. The successful operations with producer gas fuel has opened possibilities for adapting commercially available gas engine for large scale power generation application, albeit loss of power to an extent of 20-30%. This loss in power is compensated to a much larger proportion by the way of reduction in toxic emissions; these technologies generate fewer amounts of toxic gases (low $NO_x$ and almost zero $SO_x$) and zero towards GHG.