Experimental investigations on performance, emission and combustion characteristics of Diesel-Hydrogen and Diesel-HHO gas in a Dual fuel CI engine

Stringent emission norms being followed throughout the world increases the demand for clean and green fuels. Gaseous fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and hydrogen are promising alternatives to conventional diesel and gasoline. The use of hydrogen in the IC engine has gained interest among the researchers as it can be easily produced from water through electrolysis. Electrolysis of water produces stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 2:1. This study investigates the performance and emission characters of introducing hydrogen and HHO gas in the inlet manifold of a compression ignition engine in dual fuel mode. Experiments were conducted at 5 different torque conditions where hydrogen and HHO gases are supplied at the flow rate of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 LPM along with air in the inlet manifold. The HHO gas was synthesized using stored hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 2:1. The performance and emission characteristics were noted for all the conditions. The introduction of hydrogen and HHO gas has reduced the diesel energy share ratio by 86% and 70% respectively at no torque condition. HC emission was found to be decreased at high torque condition when compared to neat diesel operation. Significant increase in NOx emission was noted with increase in gases substitution and torque. CO2 and smoke emissions showed positively decreasing trend as the gas percentage increases, due to reduction in carbon content of the fuel mixture. The cylinder pressure reduced with increase in the flow rate of gases. Combustion duration increases with increase in flow rate as well as increase in torque. It was noted that Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) reduced for all operating conditions except at 6 LPM of HHO gas addition in the combustion chamber.