Research Profile

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Research profile

The approach in this project is an interdisciplinary collaboration, primarily from the fields of environmental/mechanical engineering (CI Brown); environmental and emission science (CI Ristovski); lubrication engineering (CI Hargreaves) and engine technology (PI Kruger). The project will consist of five interlinked modules:

1. Developing a framework for dual fuel engine evaluation	Photo of D4D common rail diesel engine with vortex mixer assembled to run performance testing
2. Thermodynamic modelling
3. Laboratory optimisation and performance and emission testing
4. Identifying optimal engine/fuel parameters
5. Field testing and transfer of knowledge

Developing a framework for dual fuel engine evaluation - Within this module we will develop a high level framework for quantitatively assessing dual fuel engine performance using ethanol substitution in a compression ignition engine as a pilot case. Use will be made of multivariate analysis to facilitate on the optimum engine operating parameters and dual fuel/water ratio that will minimise the multicriteria decision making harmful environmental emissions and maximize power output and performance. CI Brown has conducted a comparable comprehensive optimisation for outboard motor (Kelly et al, 2005) emissions to water (All CIs).

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Thermodynamic modelling - This model will be used as a starting point for further model development. It has a full CFD solution for flow field coupled with a reduced chemistry module which is known to predict NOx emission well.

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Laboratory evaluation, optimisation and performance and emission testing - This module will consist of several submodules with some running in parallel.

• Engine performance testing - Field testing using salt water to identify differences introduced by saltwater (will occur in year 3 of program).
• Laboratory fuel/water optimisation and performance testing will measure the performance of the engine over the full range of operating parameters with a range of dual fuel ratios and ethanol water content. The primary measurements will be of brake horsepower, peak and mean effective pressures (using an in head pressure transducer). The experimental matrix obtained will enable optimisation of the Clean Future Technology for retro fitting to existing compression ignition engines. (CIs Brown and Hargreaves).
• Emission testing - The main emission parameters measured can be classified into 2 groups: gaseous emissions and particulate emissions. The gasses measured will be: CO, CO2, NOx and unburned hydrocarbons (HCs).  Special care is taken that the dilution system mimics as close as possible “real world” dilution conditions.
• Standard industry 200 hour test - The engine will initially be stripped down and the state of wear will examined using optical microscopes and surface roughness instrumentation in the Tribology Lab at QUT. Following the 200 hour test the procedure will be repeated to determine if the new technology results in any abnormal engine wear. An industry standard such as the D-13B Cummins ISM Lubricant Test or ASTM D 5290 test will be used. (CI Hargreaves).

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Identifying optimal engine/fuel parameters - Engine operating conditions will be adjusted so an optimal engine performance is achieved without a significant increase in emissions of any of the measured parameters. If this is not possible different after-treatment technologies (i.e. oxidation catalyst) will be applied and their performance tested. Elimination of knock (preignition) will be included on the overall optimisation. The degree of knock depends on the period of ignition delay but there are in fact three types of knock that have been identified in dual fuel engines (Nwafor 2002).

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Field testing will be conducted with the facilitation of the industry partner who has a relationship with Dalby City Council as part of their program to become the most sustainable local government area in Australia, and transfer of knowledge to the industry to promote dual fuel technology to regulatory authorities to assist in the development of effective legislation to cover emissions and safety for dual fuel engine operation.

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