Study Of Otto Genset Engine Performance With Premium Fuel And Biogas From Liquid Waste Palm Oil Mill
Introduction
The utilization of renewable energy is a crucial issue in the midst of a global energy crisis. One of the promising renewable energy sources is biogas, which can be produced from fermentation of organic materials such as oil palm factory liquid waste (POME). This study aims to explore the potential of oil palm waste biogas to move the Otto generator engine and compares its performance with premium fuel.
Background
The use of biogas as a fuel for generator engines has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as POME. The quality of biogas is a critical factor in determining its suitability as a fuel for generator engines.
Methodology
This study uses an OTTO 4-stroke GFH1900lx 4-stroke generator engine with a peak power of 1.3 kW, an average power of 1.0 kW, 55 mm bore, 40 mm stroke, 95 x 10−6 m3 cylinder volume, a combination volume of 10 x 10−6 m3, compression ratio 10.5: 1, and only has one cylinder. The test was carried out with a variety of 100W, 200W, 300W, 400W, and 500W lamp load loads. The parameters measured include power, torque, specific fuel consumption, thermal efficiency, air-fuel ratio (AFR), exhaust emissions (CO, HC, CO2, and O2), and combustion of the spark plugs.
Results
The results showed that the use of POME biogas as fuel gave attractive results. There is a decrease in the value of power, torque, thermal efficiency, AFR, and CO and O2 emissions. On the other hand, specific fuel consumption (SFC) has increased, as well as HC and CO2 emissions.
Decrease in Power and Torque
Decreased power and torque in generator machines that use POME biogas may be caused by lower biogas quality compared to premium fuels. Pome biogas generally has a lower methane content, so the heat value is lower.
Thermal Efficiency
Lower thermal efficiency in engines that use POME biogas can be associated with incomplete combustion and higher heat loss. This is caused by the content of water vapor and other gases in biogas which can affect the combustion process.
Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC)
Increased SFC shows that the engine requires more biogas to produce the same power than using premium.
Exhaust Gas Emissions
HC and CO2 emissions that are higher can be caused by imperfect combustion. The content of water vapor and other gases in biogas can cause unstable combustion and produce higher emissions.
Conclusion and Recommendations
This study proves that POME biogas can be used as an alternative fuel for OTTO generator machines. However, several efforts need to be made to improve their performance, such as:
Improving the Quality of Biogas
Improving the quality of POME biogas can be done with a better processing, such as removing water content and other gases that can interfere with the combustion process.
Machine Modification
Otto generator engine modification such as the adjustment of the fuel system and the combustion system can help improve engine performance when using POME biogas.
Further Research
Further research is needed to understand the factors that influence the performance of the generator engine when using POME biogas and to develop technology that can improve its performance.
Implications and Future Directions
By carrying out these steps, the use of POME biogas as a fuel for generator engine can be a more environmentally friendly and sustainable solution in meeting energy needs. This study provides a foundation for further research in the development of biogas-based generator engines and their potential applications in various industries.
Limitations and Future Work
This study has several limitations, including the use of a single type of biogas and the limited range of engine loads tested. Future work should aim to investigate the performance of biogas-based generator engines under various operating conditions and with different types of biogas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of POME biogas as a fuel for OTTO generator machines. However, further research is needed to improve the performance of biogas-based generator engines and to develop technology that can overcome the limitations of biogas as a fuel. By doing so, the use of biogas as a fuel for generator engines can become a more viable and sustainable solution in meeting energy needs.
Q: What is the main objective of this study?
A: The main objective of this study is to explore the potential of oil palm waste biogas to move the Otto generator engine and compare its performance with premium fuel.
Q: What is the significance of using biogas as a fuel for generator engines?
A: The use of biogas as a fuel for generator engines has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Q: What are the parameters measured in this study?
A: The parameters measured in this study include power, torque, specific fuel consumption, thermal efficiency, air-fuel ratio (AFR), exhaust emissions (CO, HC, CO2, and O2), and combustion of the spark plugs.
Q: What are the results of this study?
A: The results of this study show that the use of POME biogas as fuel gave attractive results, with a decrease in the value of power, torque, thermal efficiency, AFR, and CO and O2 emissions. However, specific fuel consumption (SFC) has increased, as well as HC and CO2 emissions.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: This study has several limitations, including the use of a single type of biogas and the limited range of engine loads tested. Future work should aim to investigate the performance of biogas-based generator engines under various operating conditions and with different types of biogas.
Q: What are the implications of this study?
A: This study provides a foundation for further research in the development of biogas-based generator engines and their potential applications in various industries. By carrying out these steps, the use of POME biogas as a fuel for generator engine can be a more environmentally friendly and sustainable solution in meeting energy needs.
Q: What are the recommendations for future research?
A: Further research is needed to understand the factors that influence the performance of the generator engine when using POME biogas and to develop technology that can improve its performance. Additionally, machine modification such as the adjustment of the fuel system and the combustion system can help improve engine performance when using POME biogas.
Q: What are the potential applications of biogas-based generator engines?
A: Biogas-based generator engines have the potential to be used in various industries, including power generation, agriculture, and waste management. They can also be used in remote areas where access to fossil fuels is limited.
Q: What are the benefits of using biogas as a fuel for generator engines?
A: The benefits of using biogas as a fuel for generator engines include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and improved energy security.
Q: What are the challenges associated with using biogas as a fuel for generator engines?
A: The challenges associated with using biogas as a fuel for generator engines include the need for improved biogas quality, the need for machine modification, and the need for further research to understand the factors that influence the performance of the generator engine when using biogas.
Q: What are the future directions for research on biogas-based generator engines?
A: Future research should aim to investigate the performance of biogas-based generator engines under various operating conditions and with different types of biogas. Additionally, research should focus on developing technology that can improve the performance of biogas-based generator engines and overcome the limitations of biogas as a fuel.