• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.14-20
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• 2012

Biogas can be obtained from biogenic materials through an anaerobic digestion process. Since biogas has low calorific value and its composition significantly varies, appropriate combustion strategies need to be established to obtain stable combustion in engine applications. In this study, efforts have been made to investigate the effects of inert gas composition variations on engine performance and emissions. Results show that the MBT spark timing was advanced and $NO_x$ was reduced as the inert gas in the biogas rose. Moreover, $NO_x$ emission drop in $CO_2$ diluted biogas was more significant than that of $N_2$ due to higher heat capacity of $CO_2$, while THC emissions showed the opposite tendency. Thermal efficiency was increased in $N_2$ case with elevation of $N_2$ due to the decreased heat loss and PMEP. However, there is no difference in $CO_2$ case because of deteriorated flame propagation speed.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.25-30
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• 2011

Biogas obtained from the biodegradable organic wastes in an anaerobic digester consists of $CH_4$ and inert gases such as $CO_2$ and $N_2$. Since the composition of biogas varies by anaerobic digester conditions and the origin of wastes, it is necessary to respond to these variations so as to make stable combustion and accomplish high efficiency when it is used as a fuel for power generating SI engines. In this study, efforts have been made to investigate the effect of changes in the calorific values of biogas on the engine performance and exhaust characteristics. The biogas was simulated by supplying of $CH_4$ with $N_2$ dilution of various ratios, and ECM was developed to achieve accurate control of ignition and combustion. The results show that as the $CH_4$ concentration of the biogas decreases, the optimal spark timing is advanced due to the elevated thermal capacity and lowered $O_2$ concentration of the in-cylinder charge. Furthermore, since combustion temperature was reduced by increased inert gas, $NO_x$ emissions decreased, whereas THC emissions increased.