Electric or Internal Combustion Engines for Passenger Cars? – Environmental and Economic Aspects

The paper is focused on fuels, their users - engines and the end-user, the vehicles, from an environmental and economic point of view. The basic characteristics of potential fuels for internal combustion engines, as well as possible sources of electricity, are analysed. A comparative analysis of characteristics of vehicle propulsion with gasoline, diesel fuel, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and electricity was performed. The research has shown that the application of vehicles with an electric motor is ecologically justified only in cases of obtaining electricity in an environmentally friendly way and that in other cases there is no profit in an ecological sense. From an economic point of view, if there were no subsidies to manufacturers and buyers of electric cars, they would not be competitive with internal combustion engines now. Within the research, potential solutions for reducing air pollution and improving the quality of life in cities have been proposed.

Catalyst Conversion Rates Measurement on Engine Fueled with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Using Different Operating Temperatures

Further restrictions on the use of compression-ignition engines in transportation are prompting the search for adaptations to run on other fuels. One of the most popular alternative fuels is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which due to its low carbon content can be competitive with classical fuels. This paper presents the results of testing a Cummins 6BT compression ignition engine that has undergone numerous modifications to convert to CNG power. The sequential gas injection system and the ignition system were installed in this engine. The compression ratio was also lowered from 16.5 to 11.5 by replacing the pistons. Tests conducted on an engine dynamometer were to show the differences in emission and conversion in the catalyst of hydrocarbons contained in the exhaust gases. Two structurally different catalysts operating at different exhaust temperatures (400 and 500)±2.5°C were used. The catalyst operating at 500±2.5°C showed a 23.5% higher conversion rate than the catalyst operating at a lower temperature in the range of the speed range tested. Also the external indicators, such as power and torque for the case of higher operating temperature took values over 70% higher. The research is one of the stages of a comprehensive assessment of the possibility of adaptation of compression ignition engines to CNG-only fueling.

Development of a Generic Dual Fuel ECU for Common Rail Diesel Engine Control

<p>Rising costs of diesel fuel has led to an increased interest in dual fuel diesel engine conversion, which can offset diesel consumption though the simultaneous combustion of a secondary gaseous fuel. This system offers benefits both environmentally and financially in an increasingly energy-conscious society. Dual fuel engine conversions have previously been fitted to mechanical injection systems, requiring physical modification of the fuel pump. The aim of this work is to develop a novel electronic dual fuel control system that may be installed on any modern diesel engine using common rail fuel injection with solenoid injector valves, eliminating the need for mechanical modification of the diesel fuel system. The dual fuel electronic control unit developed replaces up to 90 percent of the diesel fuel required with cleaner-burning and cheaper compressed natural gas, providing the same power output with lower greenhouse gas emissions than pure diesel. The dual fuel system developed controls the flow of diesel, gas, air, and engine timing to ensure combustion is optimised to maintain a specific torque at a given speed and demand. During controlled experimental analysis, the dual fuel system exceeded the target substitution rate of 90 precent, with a peak diesel substitution achieved of 97 percent, whilst maintaining the same torque performance of the engine under diesel operation.</p>

Development of a Generic Dual Fuel ECU for Common Rail Diesel Engine Control

<p>Rising costs of diesel fuel has led to an increased interest in dual fuel diesel engine conversion, which can offset diesel consumption though the simultaneous combustion of a secondary gaseous fuel. This system offers benefits both environmentally and financially in an increasingly energy-conscious society. Dual fuel engine conversions have previously been fitted to mechanical injection systems, requiring physical modification of the fuel pump. The aim of this work is to develop a novel electronic dual fuel control system that may be installed on any modern diesel engine using common rail fuel injection with solenoid injector valves, eliminating the need for mechanical modification of the diesel fuel system. The dual fuel electronic control unit developed replaces up to 90 percent of the diesel fuel required with cleaner-burning and cheaper compressed natural gas, providing the same power output with lower greenhouse gas emissions than pure diesel. The dual fuel system developed controls the flow of diesel, gas, air, and engine timing to ensure combustion is optimised to maintain a specific torque at a given speed and demand. During controlled experimental analysis, the dual fuel system exceeded the target substitution rate of 90 precent, with a peak diesel substitution achieved of 97 percent, whilst maintaining the same torque performance of the engine under diesel operation.</p>

Assessment of the Impact of Applying a Non-Factory Dual-Fuel (Diesel/Natural Gas) Installation on the Traction Properties and Emissions of Selected Exhaust Components of a Road Semi-Trailer Truck Unit

Problems such as global warming and rising oil prices are driving the implementation of ideas to reduce liquid fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. One of them is the use of natural gas as an energy source. It is a hydrocarbon fuel with properties that allow the reduction of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions during combustion. Solutions are being implemented that allow for the use of natural gas to means of transport, namely in trucks of various categories and intended use. These installations are used in new vehicles, but also in the form of conversion for used cars, usually several years old. The article presents the results of tests of an engine from a used semi-trailer truck with a mileage of approx. 800 thousand km, with the compressed natural gas supply system installed. This installation (hardware and software), depending on the engine operating conditions, enables the replacement of up to 80% of diesel (base fuel) with natural gas. The impact of changing the fuel supply method on the traction characteristics calculated with the use of external characteristics of both conventional and dual-fuel mode was assessed. The emissions of exhaust gas components were also determined under the conditions of the UNECE Regulation No. 49. The test results confirm that compared to conventional fueling, dual fueling allows for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, even in a used vehicle with high mileage. The use of a non-factory installation did not significantly affect the traction properties of the vehicle, and engine wear is of greater importance in this case (comparison with factory data). The work is a valuable supplement to the results of the research in which the impact of the use of a non-factory CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) supply system on the performance of a semi-trailer truck unit equipped with such an installation was assessed compared to a semi-trailer truck unit powered in a classic way with diesel fuel.