Experimental investigation on spark-ignition (SI) engine fuelled with acetylene in dual-fuel mode

In this study, the effect of acetylene induction on the performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics of a petrol-acetylene-fuelled spark-ignition engine at 1400 rpm was experimentally investigated. Initially, the optimum flow rate of acetylene was found by analysing the performance and emissions for different flow rates of acetylene i.e. 50, 100, 150, and 200 LPH. It was observed that at 100 LPH flow rate the performance was the best and major emissions were either low or comparable to other cases. After finalising the optimum acetylene flow rate the combustion studies were carried out at this flow rate only. Pressure vs. crank angle plots indicate normal combustion with acetylene with slight abnormality at high loads. When compared with gasoline the peak pressures at different loads were found slightly higher resulting in improved combustion. Thus, it can be concluded that acetylene can be a good gasoline substitute.