An experimental study on performance characteristics of a CNG-hydrogen fuelled Spark-Ignition engine

Background In this study, the performance characteristics of a single-cylinder, four-stroke, and spark-ignited engine running at full throttle on a CNG-hydrogen mixture have been investigated experimentally for multiple loading conditions. Experimental results have been complemented with mathematical and statistical analysis. The authors attempt to identify a blend ratio of CNG-hydrogen that provides higher efficiency in comparison to the sole usage of CNG without any significant changes in the engine design, including the engine structure, cooling, and ignition timing, using the data obtained from experimentation and validating the inferences through statistical analysis using Taguchi methods. The initial mathematical analysis encompasses general thermodynamic formulas and fuel properties to calculate the theoretical values of engine performance parameters to ensure the safety of equipment during experimentation. Results The experimental results demonstrate that with an increase in hydrogen volume in the mixture, the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of the engine decreases. Conclusion The enrichment of CNG with hydrogen results in better and more efficient engine performance.