Combustion Characteristics of Producer Gas in the Stationary Gas Engine

Three syngases were selected from customer sites and the engine performance test was conducted on a single cylinder test engine (SCTE) to explore the engine operating limits and investigate the combustion characteristics for the simulation model development. Syngas has a wide range of lambda between the misfire and the detonation compared to conventional natural gas. Combustion of syngas 1 having no CH₄ showed unique characteristics which are different from syngas 3. It appears that even a small amount of CH₄ in the fuel would be important to lower the rate of the main branching reaction of hydrogen and mitigate the explosive reaction of the hydrogen. Lean operating limit of the tested syngas was observed when LFS (Laminar Flame Speed) and AFT (Adiabatic Flame Temperature) become around 5∼7 cm/s and 1660 ∼ 1720°C.