Combustion characteristics and generating efficiency using biogas with added hydrogen

Biogas has been used as a fuel because of its lean-burn capability, low cost, and direct application to current engine systems. However, some performance loss occurs when using biogas as a fuel in a typical gas engine. To compensate that performance loss, hydrogen can be added to enhance combustion. Given the increasing need to substitute energy sources, many studies have been performed to examine the performance of biogas-hydrogen blends. In this study, experiments and simulations of a gas engine fueled with biogas were compared to confirm the accuracy of the simulation model under a fixed excess air ratio of 1.2 and spark timing of 16 CA BTDC. Performance predictions were made numerically for various spark timings, excess air ratios, and amounts of added hydrogen. With increased amounts of added hydrogen, the cylinder pressure and heat release rate increased and the ignition delay was reduced. The analyses were then extended to consider various excess air ratios and lean operating conditions. A DOE method was used to optimize the generating efficiency at each excess air ratio and hydrogen addition level.