Effect of hydrogen direct injection on natural gas/hydrogen engine performance under high compression-ratio conditions. (8th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Lin; Zhang, Xiao; Zhang, Ren; Li, Jinguang; Pan, Jiaying; Wei, Haiqiao
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 77(2022)
• Page Start: 33082
• Page End: 33093
• Publication Date: 2022-09-08
• Subjects: Natural gas -- Hydrogen direct injection -- Lean combustion -- Optical engine -- Flame propagation; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.07.176
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: In traffic transportation, the use of low-carbon fuels is the key to being carbon-neutral. Hydrogen-enhanced natural gas gets more and more attention, but practical engines fueled with it often suffer from low engine power output. In this study, the inner mechanism of hydrogen direct injection on methane combustion was optically studied based on a dual-fuel supply system. Simultaneous pressure acquisition and high-speed direct photography were used to analyze engine performance and flame characteristics. The results show that lean combustion can improve methane engine's thermal efficiency, but is limited by cyclic variations under high excess air coefficient conditions. Hydrogen addition mainly acts as an ignition promoter for methane lean combustion, as a result, the lean combustion limit and thermal efficiency can be improved. As for hydrogen injection timing, late injection can increase the in-cylinder turbulence intensity but also the inhomogeneity, so a suitable injection timing is needed for improving the engine's performance. Besides, late hydrogen injection is more effective under lean conditions because of the reduced mixture inhomogeneity. The current study shall give some insights into the controlling strategies for natural gas/hydrogen engines. Highlights: Effect of hydrogen injection on methane combustion was optically studied. Hydrogen addition mainly acts as an ignition promoter for methane lean combustion. Suitable late injection can improve the natural gas/hydrogen engine's performance. Late hydrogen injection is more effective under lean conditions.