Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Compression Ratio on the Performance of a VCR CNG Engine | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

Environmental degradation is on the rise due to increased motor vehicle population. One of the strategies adopted to curb deteriorating environmental quality is the use of alternative fuels. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has the potential to provide a good compromise in efficiency, cost, and emission when used in Internal Combustion (I.C.) engines. Due to its higher-octane number, engine efficiency can be increased through higher compression ratios. It also produces lower emission of pollutants and is available in abundance in many parts of the world. Higher compression ratio increases the pressure, temperature, mixture concentration of the compressed gases which results in high thermal efficiency and improved fuel economy in I.C. engines, whereas if the compression ratio is higher, the fuel will pre-ignite causing knocking which leads to engine damage. This work is an experimental and theoretical investigation of the influence of the compression ratio on the brake power, brake thermal efficiency, brake mean effective pressure, specific fuel consumption and emissions of a Variable Compression Ratio CNG fueled engine.