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The performance of a single-cylinder, low speed, spark ignition, internal combustion engine has been studied using lean (i.e, air-rich) mixtures of propane as the fuelo The power output and thermal efficiencies have been determined at various compression ratios and fuel-air ratios. A comparison is also made with the en gine when burning gasoline. Maximum operating fuel economy is obtained at a fuel-air ratio of 0 o 04 lb. of propane per lb. of air, regardless of the compression ratio. It is also shown that the overall performance of an engine may be im proved by burning propane as the fuel at a higher com pression ratio than burning gasoline at a lower CR. A theoretical analysis is also shown for obtain ing "cycle" temperatures, indicated thermal efficiency and brake mean effective pressure.
An industry led project with collaboration from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and the University of Alabama focused on barriers for propane internal combustion engines to adapt to direct fuel injection technology. Direct injection (DI) technology is a barrier for propane engines that are primarily based on spark ignition gasoline engine platforms, which have increasingly shifted from port injection to DI. Research was conducted develop system requirements aligned with potential post-project commercialization for a mono-fuel propane DI engine based on the General Motors 4.3L V6 gasoline platform. After a key project decision point, the project transitioned to a NREL, ORNL, and University of Alabama focused effort focusing on critical high pressure fuel system controls for DI propane, and exhaust aftertreatment research for mono-fuel propane operation, including industry guidance on particulate matter emissions.
Propane as an auto fuel has a high octane value and has key properties required for spark-ignited internal combustion engines. To operate a vehicle on propane as either a dedicated fuel or bi-fuel (i.e., switching between gasoline and propane) vehicle, only a few modifications must be made to the engine. Until recently propane vehicles have commonly used a vapor pressure system that was somewhat similar to a carburetion system, wherein the propane would be vaporized and mixed with combustion air in the intake plenum of the engine. This leads to lower efficiency as more air, rather than fuel, is inducted into the cylinder for combustion (Myers 2009). A newer liquid injection system has become available that injects propane directly into the cylinder, resulting in no mixing penalty because air is not diluted with the gaseous fuel in the intake manifold. Use of a direct propane injection system will improve engine efficiency (Gupta 2009). Other systems include the sequential multi-port fuel injection system and a bi-fuel 'hybrid' sequential propane injection system. Carbureted systems remain in use but mostly for non-road applications. In the United States a closed-loop system is used in after-market conversions. This system incorporates an electronic sensor that provides constant feedback to the fuel controller to allow it to measure precisely the proper air/fuel ratio. A complete conversion system includes a fuel controller, pressure regulator valves, fuel injectors, electronics, fuel tank, and software. A slight power loss is expected in conversion to a vapor pressure system, but power can still be optimized with vehicle modifications of such items as the air/fuel mixture and compression ratios. Cold start issues are eliminated for vapor pressure systems since the air/fuel mixture is gaseous. In light-duty propane vehicles, the fuel tank is typically mounted in the trunk; for medium- and heavy-duty vans and trucks, the tank is located under the body of the vehicle. Propane tanks add weight to a vehicle and can slightly increase the consumption of fuel. On a gallon-to-gallon basis, the energy content of propane is 73% that of gasoline, thus requiring more propane fuel to travel an equivalent distance, even in an optimized engine (EERE 2009b).
This book presents the fundamentals needed to understand the physical and chemical properties of alternative fuels, and how they impact refueling system design and the modification of existing garages for safety. It covers a wide range of fuels including alcohols, gases, and vegetable oils. Chapters cover: Alternative Fuels and Their Origins Properties and Specifications Materials Compatibility Storage and Dispensing Refueling Facility Installation and Garage Facility Modifications and more