Performance study using natural gas, hydrogen-supplemented natural gas and hydrogen in AVL research engine

In the future, hydrogen will be required to supplement and eventually replace a rapidly diminishing natural gas resource for stationary type combustion engines. Combustion properties, knock rating, engine performance and emissions of methane (the chief constituent of natural gas) and hydrogen are different as engine fuels. In the present work, investigations were carried out to obtain data on engine performance, fuel economy and emissions, using natural gas, hydrogen-supplemented natural gas (methane) and hydrogen in AVL† research engine. Investigations were also carried out to suppress flashback and to reduce nitric oxide emissions at different operating conditions, by water induction into the hydrogen-air mixture in the intake manifold for a hydrogen fueled engine.