Piston Temperature Measurement in a Natural Gas Engine. Topical Report, January-December 1990

摘要

The objective of the research was to determine piston operating temperatures in ahigh-output natural gas-fueled 454 Chevrolet engine using an SwRI developed telemetry-based system and to perform validation testing to verify the effect of piston cooling on engine durability. The project was part of the GRI program to develop a cost effective natural gas-fueled prime mover in the 300 horsepower range. The problem of piston cracking with the development piston in this natural gas engine can be overcome if sufficient data is accumulated to allow a better piston to be designed. Adequate piston temperature data are prerequisite to performing FEA modeling during the design of new pistons. The particular project was directed at obtaining this data as well as exploring the effects of piston cooling and operating conditions on piston temperatures. Piston temperature data was obtained at various engine speeds and loads including 300 horsepower at 3,600 rpm. Crown temperatures were recorded in excess of 500 F while piston pin boss and skirt temperatures remained at or below 300 F. The effects of limited piston cooling were explored at 300 horsepower. At low piston cooling oil flow rates, no decrease in piston crown temperatures were observed.