Development of an Automotive-Derivative Engine Operating on Natural Gas for Heavy-Duty Applications. Final Report, March 1985-August 1989

摘要

The report covers all of the activities of a program undertaken to improve theperformance and maintenance requirements of an automotive-derivative gas engine for cogeneration service. The subject engine is a 454-cubic-inch displacement automotive gasoline engine converted to operate on natural gas. The engine is currently used in cogeneration and as a compressor drive for air-conditioning applications. It was the object of the program to improve the engine's performance in terms of output and efficiency, to reduce its service requirements, and to identify its emissions characteristics, thereby enhancing gas-fired cogeneration applications. Results of the program include engine performance enhancement through camshaft event optimization for lower speeds, increased compression ratio to take advantage of the higher effective octane number of natural gas, and piston development. Performance enhancement through induction tuning at both 1800 and 3600 rpm was also investigated. Endurance testing of an uprated (60 to 75 kW) cogeneration module was carried out at 3 sites, and the results are reported. A complete emissions map of the engine as a function of all operating variables including exhaust gas recirculation was completed. Extension of the service interval through oil selection, lube oil sump arrangement, and analytical modeling was also carried out.