Dual-Fueling of a Prechamber Diesel Engine With Natural Gas

The feasibility of dual-fuel operation with natural gas in a prechamber diesel engine was studied with special emphasis on fuel consumption and cylinder pressure development. The effects of air restriction, pilot diesel flow rate, and injection timing were also investigated. Near full load the fuel energy consumption rate was close to that of straight diesel operation though at part load (in the absence of air restriction) the fuel energy consumption rate was relatively high. In the absence of injection timing adjustment the maximum power output of dual-fuel operation was severely limited by the maximum cylinder pressure. Retarding the injection timing is effective in reducing the maximum cylinder pressure to a safe level. The analysis of apparent energy release indicates the differences in combustion mechanism between auto-ignition of diesel fuel in straight diesel operation and propagation of flame fronts in dual-fuel operation.