Three synthesis gas fuel compositions were tested, which comprised of 100%H2, 75/25 H2/CO ratio, and 50/50 H2/ CO ratio, by volume. These compositions were investigated at an equivalence ratio (EQR) of 0.26 and 0.30. In-cylinder pressure and H2/CO emissions measurements were made at all conditions.
To achieve peak indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) at a given equivalence ratio, the intake air temperature had to be increased with increasing CO fraction in the synthesis gas mixture. For the EQR聽=聽0.26 conditions, the intake air temperature required for best IMEP was 78聽掳C, 84聽掳C, and 98聽掳C, for 100%H2, 75/25 H2/CO ratio, and 50/50 H2/CO ratio, respectively. For the EQR聽=聽0.30 conditions, the intake air temperature requirements were 62聽掳C, 71聽掳C, and 81聽掳C, for the same respective H2/CO proportions. The peak in-cylinder temperatures for all conditions tested ranged from roughly 1200聽K-1500聽K depending on intake air temperature, mixture concentration, and fuel composition. The combustion event was short, with the rapid burn angle ranging from 9.5 CAD to 11.5 CAD for all conditions tested, and the synthesis gas mixture composition did not change this significantly. The combustion efficiency was between 83%and 88%for the peak IMEP conditions tested.