Experimental Investigation Using Enriched Biogas in S-I Engine for Stable Rural Electrification

Abstract

The experimental work focuses to convert harmful GHGs (CH₄) into moderate GHG_S (CO₂) by means of energy exchange. Biogas produced from large-scale floating drum plant is purified and fed into gasoline engine in varying and fixed ratios. The output power and the exhaust emission were analyzed by various techniques like variation in electric load and exhaust gas analyzer, etc. The biogas input to the engine was facilitated through an external flange arrangement. Maximum loading condition of 540 W at a voltage of (227.777 ± 5.08478 V) and the engine frequency of (47.3121 ± 0.48296 Hz) is obtained, when the input concentration is enriched biogas (90% CH₄ and 10% CO₂). The engine conversion of the hydrocarbon beyond the 70% CH₄ concentration limit was found to remain stagnant. A higher methane concentration does not result in a higher CH₄ conversion; instead, it resulted in a partial conversion with higher carbon monoxide (CO) production. In the case of emissions, minimum CO level was registered for 70% CH₄ and maximum for 90%, so it can be concluded that enrichment beyond 70% methane in biogas mixture tends to enhance CO level at outlet