Experimental investigation of performance and emissions of the SICAI-hybrid engine systems

The use of hybrid electrical engines can provide more efficiency by reducing fuel consumption and emissions. In the research, the experimental studies on the created hybrid electric engine were presented. The hybrid engine combines an electric motor with the internal combustion engine (ICE) which is operated under spark assisted controlled auto ignition (SICAI) combustion mode with the alternative fuels consisting of different ratios of methane hydrogen blends. In order to establish the hybrid engine, firstly, efficiency graphs of the electrical motor were obtained experimentally. The battery charge status was also checked. The operating range of the SICAI engine in the hybrid system was identified considering performance and efficiency parameters. Based on these parameters, a hybrid algorithm was established to control the operating of the created hybrid engine system. Thus, the experimental studies were carried out for 100% methane, 90% methane-10% hydrogen, 80% methane-20% hydrogen and, 70% methane-30% hydrogen blends (by volume) at wide opening throttle (WOT) and, 50% WOT positions. Consequently, the results were discussed in terms of efficiency and emissions. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.