Jf. Larsen et Js. Wallace, COMPARISON OF EMISSIONS AND EFFICIENCY OF A TURBOCHARGED LEAN-BURN NATURAL-GAS AND HYTHANE-FUELED ENGINE, Journal of engineering for gas turbines and power, 119(1), 1997, pp. 218-226
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential for reduced exha
ust emissions and improved efficiency, by way of lean-bum engine fuell
ing with hydrogen supplemented natural gas (Hythane). The emissions an
d efficiency of the Hythane fuel (15 percent hydrogen, 85 percent natu
ral gas by volume), were compared to the emissions and efficiency of p
ure natural gas using a turbocharged, spark ignition, 3.1 L, V-6 engin
e. The feasibility of heavy duty engine fueling with Hythane was asses
sed through testing conducted at engine speed and load combinations ty
pical of heavy-duty engine operation. Comparison of the efficiency and
emissions at MBT spark timing revealed that Hythane fueling of the te
st engine resulted in consistently lower; brake specific energy consum
ption and emissions of total hydrocarbons (THC), carbon monoxide (CO),
and carbon dioxide (CO2), at a given equivalence ratio. There was no
clear trend with respect to MBT oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. It
was also discovered that an improved NOx-THC tradeoff resulted when H
ythane was used to fuel the test engine. Consequently, Hythane engine
operating parameters can be adjusted to achieve a concurrent reduction
in NOx and THC emissions relative to natural gas fueling.