A Turbocharged Diesel Engine Adapted to Operate in Dual Diesel/Natural Gas Mode

The primary objective of this project is to explain the process of converting a diesel engine to operate as a dual engine within a generator set. This goal includes demonstrating the simplicity of the conversion process, comparing the technical and economic performances of both systems. Additionally, it discusses factors such as efficiencies, exhaust gas conditions, financial analysis, and performance when generating the same energy power. The specific engine used in the study is a turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, the Perkins 1104C-44TAG2 model. The conversion of the original diesel engine to a dual-fuel system was possible by installing a dual-fuel kit developed at the Innovation Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraíba, with minimal modifications to the engine. The study involved mixing natural gas with air and utilizing it in all stages of the regular diesel cycle. The findings showed that the dual-fuel engine reduced fuel costs across almost all power levels examined. At 70 kW, the highest power level tested, the dual-fuel engine showed the most significant cost savings of about 53%. Additionally, there were notable reductions in soot and CO₂ emissions at higher engine loads. At lower and medium loads, the dual-fuel engine also displayed decreases in NO_X emissions and increases in CO levels. This research compared and interpreted the results in line with existing technical literature, ensuring the reliability and validity of all experimental procedures and available data.