An experimental investigation of hydrogen-enriched air induction in a diesel engine system

Diesel engines are the most trusted power sources in the transportation industry. They intake air and emit, among others, the pollutants NOX and particulate matter. Continuous efforts and tests have tried to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of internal combustion engines. Alternative fuels are key to meeting upcoming stringent emission norms. We study hydrogen as an air-enrichment medium with diesel as an ignition source in a stationary diesel engine system to improve engine performance and reduce emissions. Stationary engines can be operated with less fuel than neat diesel operations, resulting in lower smoke levels and particulate emissions. Hydrogen (H-2)-enriched air systems in diesel engines enable the realization of higher brake thermal efficiency, resulting in lower specific energy consumption (SEC). NOX emissions are reduced from 2762 to 515 ppm with 90% hydrogen enrichment at 70% engine load. At full load, NOX emission marginally increases compared to diesel operation, while both smoke and particulate matter are reduced by about 50%. The brake thermal efficiency increases from 22.78% to 27.9% with 30% hydrogen enrichment. Thus, using hydro gen- enriched air in a diesel engine produces less pollution and better performance. (c) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.