Developing clean dual-fuel natural gas engines for heavy-duty trucks

Dual-fuel diesel-natural gas engines have the potential to be an economical and low-emission alternative for heavy-duty transport applications. These engines combust pre-mixed natural-gas/air mixtures by ignition with a pilot injection of diesel fuel. The fraction of energy provided by each fuel can be varied for engine operating conditions. Natural gas is less expensive than diesel so higher amounts of natural gas is generally preferred. However, if natural gas substitution rates become too high (e.g. ~>50%), methane emissions may be significant.
The primary research objective of this research project is to determine the tailpipe emissions of methane and particulate from a modern dual-fuel engine (Paccar MX-13) with stock emission aftertreatment with varying amounts of natural gas substitution. This will be used to optimize the industrial sponsor’s fuel and combustion control strategy so that the Paccar engine can meet emission regulations while maximizing natural gas substitution

Faculty Supervisor:

Jason Olfert

Student:

Quinton Peers

Partner:

Innovative Fuel Systems

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Alberta