An experimental investigation of CNG as an alternative fuel for a retrofitted gasoline vehicle

Abstract

This paper presents test results obtained from running a 1.5 L, 4-cylinder Proton Magma retrofitted spark ignition car engine with dynamometer. Performance, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions measurements were recorded under steady state operating conditions for gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG). The engine was converted to computer integrated bi-fueling system from a gasoline engine and was operated separately either with gasoline or CNG using an electronically controlled solenoid actuated valve system. A PC based data acquisition and control system was used for controlling all the operation. A comparative analysis of the performance and emissions has been made for gasoline and CNG. Based on the experimental results, it is transparent that CNG shows low brake mean effective pressure (BMEP), brake specific fuel consumptions (BSFC), higher efficiency and lower emissions of CO, CO2, HC but more NOx compared to gasoline. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.