Investigations on the effect of H2 and HHO gas induction on brake thermal efficiency of dual-fuel CI engine

Brake thermal efficiency is a vital performance characteristic of an IC engine. This research work focuses on evaluating the brake thermal efficiency of a commercial compression ignition engine used for irrigation and power generation. The dual fuel combustion strategies that used Hydrogen, HHO gases, and diesel. Hydrogen and HHO gas were induced into the intake manifold of engine at six different flow rates ranging from 6 to 36 L per minute. The engine was run with a maximum energy-share ratio of 86% with hydrogen and 70% with HHO gas, respectively. The efficiencies were calculated using the pressure trace obtained along with the four strokes. Under the proposed method, brake thermal efficiency was determined by summing up parameters including closed-cycle, open-cycle, and mechanical efficiency. It was noted that the closed-cycle efficiency of the engine was maximum at the ideal condition and reduced with the introduction of primary fuel. The maximum closed -cycle efficiency was 45% with neat diesel operation, and the minimums were 21.5% and 23% with 36 L per min of hydrogen and HHO gas supply, respectively. Because of the negative pumping mean effective pressure, the engine's open-cycle efficiency remained close to 90%. The engine's mechanical efficiency increased as the torque increased. The engine's performance can be improved by implementing different injection strategies that im-proves the closed-cycle efficiency.