Simulation and Experimental Validation of Combustion Characteristics of Dual Fuel LPG-Diesel Engine

The present work analyses the performance and combustion characteristics of LPG- diesel dual fuel engine. The combustion process has been studied using a two-zone model and vital parameters like pressure rise, peak pressure, heat release rate in both premixed and diffusion phase of combustion are analyzed. The predicted results are compared with the obtained experimental values from a four stroke stationary diesel engine. The results revealed that the performance of the dual fuel engine deteriorates at lower loads and with reduced LPG mass flow rates. It was observed that higher LPG flow rates with higher loads result in abnormal combustion. At 75% load conditions with a 0.6 kg/hr LPG mass flow rate showed optimum engine performance in a higher pressure rise and rate heat release. Further predicted results for the rate of pressure rise and heat release rate indicated a good agreement between the simulated and experimental results with an average difference of 12% between them over the tested range. The present work emphasizes the utilization of gaseous fuel in CI engines more effectively with dual fuel mode since the liquid fuel cost is steadily rising.