Results from tests conducted in several RTD centers lead to conclusion that biogas as a potential fuel for the internal combustion (IC) spark ignited (SI) engine features with its satisfactory combustion predisposition causing smooth engine run without accidental misfiring or knock events. This good predisposition is obtained due to carbon dioxide (CO2) content in the biogas. On the other hand, carbon dioxide as incombustible gas contribute to decrease in the brake power of the biogas fueled engine. To analyze mutual CO2 and CH4 content on biogas burning the combustion parameters as follows: adiabatic combustion temperature, laminar flame speed and ignition delay of biogas with various methane content were determined and presented in the paper. Additionally, these parameters for pure methane were also included in order to make comparison between each other. As computed, ignition delay, which has is strongly correlated with knock resistance, can change several times with temperature increase, but does not change remarkably with increase in methane content. Adiabatic combustion temperature does not also ought to influence on engine performance or increase in engine cooling and exhaust losses due to its insignificant changes. The largest change was observed in laminar flame speed, that can influence on development of the first premixed combustion phase.
Selected combustion parameters of biogas at elevated pressure–temperature conditions
