Development of Advanced Laser Ignition System for Stationary Natural Gas Reciprocating Engines

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bipin Bihari ◽  
Sreenath B. Gupta ◽  
Raj R. Sekar ◽  
Jess Gingrich ◽  
Jack Smith
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Combustion Stability ◽  
Laser Ignition ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Ignition System ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Discharge Ignition ◽  
Reciprocating Engines ◽  
Load Conditions

Laser ignition is considered the prime alternative to conventional coil based ignition for improving efficiency and simultaneously reducing NOx emissions in lean-burn natural gas fired stationary reciprocating engines. In this paper, Argonne’s efforts towards the development of a viable laser ignition system are presented. The relative merits of various implementation strategies for laser based ignition are discussed. Finally, the performance improvements required for some of the components for successful field implementation are listed. Also reported are efforts to determine the relative merit of laser ignition over conventional Capacitance Discharge Ignition (CDI) ignition. Emissions and performance data of a large-bore single cylinder research engine are compared while running with laser ignition and the industry standard CDI system. It was primarily noticed that NOx emissions reduce by 50% under full load conditions with up to 65% reductions noticed under part load conditions. Also, the lean ignition limit was significantly extended and laser ignition improved combustion stability under all operating conditions. Other noticeable differences in combustion characteristics are also presented. Efforts wherein ignition was achieved while transmitting the high-power laser pulses through optical fibers showed performance improvements similar those achieved by using free-space laser ignition.

scholarly journals Performance of a Laser Ignited Multicylinder Lean Burn Natural Gas Engine

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bader Almansour ◽  
Subith Vasu ◽  
Sreenath B. Gupta ◽  
Qing Wang ◽  
Robert Van Leeuwen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Laser Ignition ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Lean Burn ◽  
Ignition System ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
The Individual

Market demands for lower fueling costs and higher specific powers in stationary natural gas engines have engine designs trending toward higher in-cylinder pressures and leaner combustion operation. However, ignition remains as the main limiting factor in achieving further performance improvements in these engines. Addressing this concern, while incorporating various recent advances in optics and laser technologies, laser igniters were designed and developed through numerous iterations. Final designs incorporated water-cooled, passively Q-switched, Nd:YAG microlasers that were optimized for stable operation under harsh engine conditions. Subsequently, the microlasers were installed in the individual cylinders of a lean-burn, 350 kW, inline six-cylinder, open-chamber, spark ignited engine, and tests were conducted. The engine was operated at high-load (298 kW) and rated speed (1800 rpm) conditions. Ignition timing (IT) sweeps and excess-air ratio (λ) sweeps were performed while keeping the NOx emissions below the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulated value (brake-specific NOx (BSNOx) < 1.34 g/kW h), and while maintaining ignition stability at industry acceptable values (coefficient of variation of integrated mean effective pressure (COV_IMEP) < 5%). Through such engine tests, the relative merits of (i) standard electrical ignition system and (ii) laser ignition system were determined. A rigorous combustion data analysis was performed and the main reasons leading to improved performance in the case of laser ignition were identified.

Development of an Open Path Laser Ignition System for a Large Bore Natural Gas Engine: Part 2 — Single Cylinder Demonstration

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Ahrens ◽  
Daniel B. Olsen ◽  
Azer P. Yalin
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Combustion Stability ◽  
Electrode Erosion ◽  
Laser Ignition ◽  
Engine Test ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Ignition System ◽  
Gas Engine ◽  
Natural Gas Engine ◽  
Spark Plug

Using a laser, as opposed to a conventional (electrical) spark plug, to create a combustion initiating spark is potentially advantageous for several reasons: flexibility in choosing and optimizing the spark location, in particular to move the spark away from solid heat sinks; production of a more robust spark containing more energy; and obviation of electrode erosion problems. In this paper we present the on-engine test results of the laser ignition system on a large bore natural gas engine. Test results include: mass fraction burn duration, hydrocarbon emissions data, and combustion stability comparisons to the conventional spark plug ignition system. Design and spark location considerations for the laser ignition system were presented in the first paper of this two-paper series.

Ultra-Low Emission Hydrogen/Syngas Combustion With a 1.3 MW Injector Using a Micro-Mixing Lean-Premix System

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Hollon ◽  
Erlendur Steinthorsson ◽  
Adel Mansour ◽  
Vincent McDonell ◽  
Howard Lee
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Flame Temperature ◽  
Fuel Mixture ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Fuel Injector ◽  
Nitrogen Dilution ◽  
Fuel Mixtures

This paper discusses the development and testing of a full-scale micro-mixing lean-premix injector for hydrogen and syngas fuels that demonstrated ultra-low emissions and stable operation without flashback for high-hydrogen fuels at representative full-scale operating conditions. The injector was fabricated using Macrolamination technology, which is a process by which injectors are manufactured from bonded layers. The injector utilizes sixteen micro-mixing cups for effective and rapid mixing of fuel and air in a compact package. The full scale injector is rated at 1.3 MWth when operating on natural gas at 12.4 bar (180 psi) combustor pressure. The injector operated without flash back on fuel mixtures ranging from 100% natural gas to 100% hydrogen and emissions were shown to be insensitive to operating pressure. Ultra-low NOx emissions of 3 ppm were achieved at a flame temperature of 1750 K (2690 °F) using a fuel mixture containing 50% hydrogen and 50% natural gas by volume with 40% nitrogen dilution added to the fuel stream. NOx emissions of 1.5 ppm were demonstrated at a flame temperature over 1680 K (2564 °F) using the same fuel mixture with only 10% nitrogen dilution, and NOx emissions of 3.5 ppm were demonstrated at a flame temperature of 1730 K (2650 °F) with only 10% carbon dioxide dilution. Finally, using 100% hydrogen with 30% carbon dioxide dilution, 3.6 ppm NOx emissions were demonstrated at a flame temperature over 1600 K (2420 °F). Superior operability was achieved with the injector operating at temperatures below 1470 K (2186 °F) on a fuel mixture containing 87% hydrogen and 13% natural gas. The tests validated the micro-mixing fuel injector technology and the injectors show great promise for use in future gas turbine engines operating on hydrogen, syngas or other fuel mixtures of various compositions.

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Ignition and Combustion Stability in EGR Dilute GDI Operation

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Scarcelli ◽  
Nicholas S. Matthias ◽  
Thomas Wallner
Keyword(s):  
Flame Propagation ◽  
Numerical Results ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Combustion Stability ◽  
Ignition Process ◽  
Ignition System ◽  
Cyclic Variability ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Engine Testing ◽  
Ignition And Combustion

This paper discusses the characteristics of EGR dilute GDI engines in terms of combustion stability. A combined approach consisting of RANS numerical simulations integrated with experimental engine testing is used to analyze the effect of the ignition source on flame propagation under dilute operating conditions. A programmable spark-based ignition system is compared to a production spark system in terms of cyclic variability and ultimately indicated efficiency. 3D-CFD simulations are carried out for multiple cycles with the goal of establishing correlations between the characteristics of the ignition system and flame propagation as well as cycle-to-cycle variations. Numerical results are compared to engine data in terms of in-cylinder pressure traces. The results show that an improved control over the energy released to the fluid surrounding the spark domain during the ignition process has beneficial effects on combustion stability. This allows extending the dilution tolerance for fuel/air mixtures. Although affected by cyclic variability, numerical results show good qualitative agreement with experimental data. The result is a simple but promising approach for relatively quick assessment of stability improvements from advanced and alternative ignition strategies.

Experimental Assessment of the Emissions Benefits of a Ceramic Gas Turbine Combustor

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. O. Smith ◽  
A. Fahme
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Flow Distribution ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Fuel Injector ◽  
Gas Turbine Combustor ◽  
Experimental Assessment ◽  
Industrial Gas Turbine ◽  
Combustor Liner

Three subscale, cylindrical combustors were rig tested on natural gas at typical industrial gas turbine operating conditions. The intent of the testing was to determine the effect of combustor liner cooling on NOx and CO emissions. In order of decreasing liner cooling, a metal louvre-cooled combustor, a metal effusion-cooled combustor, and a backside-cooled ceramic (CFCC) combustor were evaluated. The three combustors were tested using the same lean-premixed fuel injector. Testing showed that reduced liner cooling produced lower CO emissions as reaction quenching near the liner wall was reduced. A reduction in CO emissions allows a reoptimization of the combustor air flow distribution to yield lower NOx emissions.

Lean-Burn Characteristics of a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Retrofitted to Natural Gas Spark Ignition

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinlong Liu ◽  
Cosmin E. Dumitrescu
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Combustion Chamber ◽  
Spark Ignition ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Combustion Stability ◽  
Fuel Injector ◽  
Heavy Duty ◽  
Lean Burn ◽  
Spark Timing ◽  
Heavy Duty Diesel

Increased utilization of natural-gas (NG) in the transportation sector can decrease the use of petroleum-based fuels and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Heavy-duty diesel engines retrofitted to NG spark ignition (SI) can achieve higher efficiencies and low NOx, CO, and HC emissions when operated under lean-burn conditions. To investigate the SI lean-burn combustion phenomena in a bowl-in-piston combustion chamber, a conventional heavy-duty direct-injection CI engine was converted to SI operation by replacing the fuel injector with a spark plug and by fumigating NG in the intake manifold. Steady-state engine experiments and numerical simulations were performed at several operating conditions that changed spark timing, engine speed, and mixture equivalence ratio. Results suggested a two-zone NG combustion inside the diesel-like combustion chamber. More frequent and significant late burn (including double-peak heat release rate) was observed for advanced spark timing. This was due to the chamber geometry affecting the local flame speed, which resulted in a faster and thicker flame in the bowl but a slower and thinner flame in the squish volume. Good combustion stability (COVIMEP < 3 %), moderate rate of pressure rise, and lack of knocking showed promise for heavy-duty CI engines converted to NG SI operation.

Development of an Open Path Laser Ignition System for a Large Bore Natural Gas Engine: Part 1 — System Design

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Ahrens ◽  
Azer P. Yalin ◽  
Daniel B. Olsen ◽  
Gi-Heon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Electrode Erosion ◽  
Laser Ignition ◽  
Ignition System ◽  
Gas Engine ◽  
Natural Gas Engine ◽  
Spark Plug ◽  
Engine Part ◽  
Beam Delivery

Using a laser, as opposed to a conventional (electrical) spark plug, to create a combustion initiating spark is potentially advantageous for several reasons: flexibility in choosing and optimizing the spark location, in particular to move the spark away from solid heat sinks; production of a more robust spark containing more energy; and obviation of electrode erosion problems. These advantages may lead to an extension of the lean limit, an increase in engine thermal efficiency, and the concomitant benefits of reduced pollutant emissions. This paper presents the design of a laser ignition system appropriate for a large bore natural gas engine. Design considerations include: optimization of spark location, design of beam delivery system and optical plug, and mitigation of vibration and thermal effects. Engine test results will be presented in the second paper of this two-paper series.

A Literature Review of NOx Formation Kinetics and a Prediction Method for Lean-Burn, Two-Stroke Natural Gas Engines

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor F. Linker ◽  
Mark Patterson ◽  
Greg Beshouri ◽  
Abdullah U. Bajwa ◽  
Timothy J. Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Prediction Method ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Combustion Mechanism ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Lean Burn ◽  
Nox Formation ◽  
Gas Combustion ◽  
No2 Formation

Abstract The increased production of natural gas harvested from unconventional sources, such as shale, has led to fluctuations in the species composition of natural gas moving through pipelines. These variations alter the chemical properties of the bulk gas mixture and, consequently, affect the operation of pipeline compressor engines which use the gas as fuel. Among several possible ramifications of these variations is that of unacceptably high engine-out NOx emissions. Therefore, engine controller enhancements which can account for fuel variability are necessary for maintaining emissions compliance. Having the means to predict NOx emissions from a field engine can inform the development of such control schemes. There are several types of compressor engines; however, this study considers a large bore, lean-burn, two-stroke, integral compressor engine. This class of engine has unique operating conditions which make the formation of engine-out NOx different from typical automotive spark-ignited engines. For this reason, automotive-based methods for predicting NOx emissions are not sufficiently accurate. In this study, an investigation is performed on the possible NO and NO2 formation pathways which could be contributing to exhaust emissions. Additionally, a modeling method is proposed to predict engine-out NOx emissions using a 0-D/1-D model of a Cooper-Bessemer GMWH-10C compressor engine. Predictions are achieved with GRI-Mech3.0, a natural gas combustion mechanism, which allows for simulated formation of NOx species. The implemented technique is tuned using experimental data from a field engine to better predict emissions over a range of engine operating conditions. Tuning the model led to acceptable agreement across operating points varying in both load and trapped equivalence ratio.

Lean-Burn Characteristics of a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Retrofitted to Natural-Gas Spark Ignition

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinlong Liu ◽  
Cosmin Emil Dumitrescu
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Combustion Chamber ◽  
Spark Ignition ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Combustion Stability ◽  
Fuel Injector ◽  
Heavy Duty ◽  
Lean Burn ◽  
Heavy Duty Diesel ◽  
Ci Engines

Increased utilization of natural gas (NG) in the transportation sector can decrease the use of petroleum-based fuels and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Heavy-duty diesel engines retrofitted to NG spark ignition (SI) can achieve higher efficiencies and low NOX, CO, and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions when operated under lean-burn conditions. To investigate the SI lean-burn combustion phenomena in a bowl-in-piston combustion chamber, a conventional heavy-duty direct-injection CI engine was converted to SI operation by replacing the fuel injector with a spark plug and by fumigating NG in the intake manifold. Steady-state engine experiments and numerical simulations were performed at several operating conditions that changed spark timing (ST), engine speed, and mixture equivalence ratio. Results suggested a two-zone NG combustion inside the diesel-like combustion chamber. More frequent and significant late-burn (including double-peak heat release rate) was observed for advanced ST. This was due to the chamber geometry affecting the local flame speed, which resulted in a faster and thicker flame in the bowl but a slower and thinner flame in the squish volume. Good combustion stability (COVIMEP < 3%), moderate rate of pressure-rise, and lack of knocking showed promise for heavy-duty CI engines converted to NG SI operation.

Impact of Fuel Composition on Blow Off and Flashback in Swirl Stabilized Lean Premixed Combustion

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Akbari ◽  
Vincent McDonell ◽  
Scott Samuelsen
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Combustion Stability ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Pure Hydrogen ◽  
Combustion Properties ◽  
Lean Premixed ◽  
The Impact

Co firing of natural gas with renewable fuels such as hydrogen can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet other sustainability considerations. At the same time, adding hydrogen to natural gas alters combustion properties, such as burning speeds, heating values, flammability limits, and chemical characteristics. It is important to identify how combustion stability relates to fuel mixture composition in industrial gas turbines and burners and correlate such behavior to fuel properties or operating conditions. Ultimately, it is desired to predict and prevent operability issues when designing a fuel flexible gas turbine combustor. Fuel interchangeability is used to describe the ability of a substitute fuel composition to replace a baseline fuel without significantly altering performance and operation. Any substitute fuel, while maintaining the same heating load as the baseline fuel, must also provide stable combustion with low pollutant emissions. Interchangeability indices try to predict the impact of fuel composition on lean blowoff and flashback. Correlations for operability limits have been reported, though results are more consistent for blowoff compared to flashback. Yet, even for blowoff, some disagreement regarding fuel composition effects are evident. In the present work, promising correlations and parameters for lean blow off and flashback in a swirl stabilized lean premixed combustor are evaluated. Measurements are conducted for fuel compositions ranging from pure natural gas to pure hydrogen under different levels of preheat and air flow rates. The results are used to evaluate the ability of existing approaches to predict blowoff and flashback. The results show that, while a Damköhler number approach for blowoff is promising, important considerations are required in applying the method. For flashback, the quench constant parameter suggested for combustion induced vortex breakdown was applied and found to have limited success for predicting flashback in the present configuration.

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