Experimental Analysis of Conjoint Effect of Semi-Cooled Exhaust Recirculation on Combustion of Liquid Phase Hydrocarbons Under Uniform Magnetic Fields

Abstract

In the context of increasing the energy utilization of hastily depleting conventional hydrocarbon based fuels and regulating the associated emissions, the present experimental work investigates the conjoint effect of partially cooled exhaust gas recirculation on magnetic field-assisted combustion of gasoline in a multicylinder MPFI spark ignition engine. At the factory set ignition timing of 5 degree BTDC, an optimal mass of burnt gas (18%) within the tolerance limit of the engine determined through prior experiments is recirculated into the combustion chamber after partially cooling in a radiator assembly. The combustible charge which blends with the inert exhaust mixture is prepared from gasoline pretreated under a potent magnetic field generated using NdFeB rare earth magnets capable of enhancing the oxidation process. The intensity of applied magnetic field and the locus of magnetization are decided based on primal experiments. Combustion under the conjoint effect of the set modifications is studied in terms of fuel economy, thermal efficiency and regulated emissions of the engine in which significant improvement is noted. Cyclic variability in combustion is evaluated through the statistical analysis of COV of peak cylinder pressures and mean effective pressures which predicts reduction in probability of misfires. Experimental results portray an enhancement in fuel economy by 14.6% and reduction in cyclic variability by 11.56% under synergy of optimal recirculation and polarization when compared to baseline gasoline combustion and individual impact of recirculation of cooled exhaust gases. © 2022, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals.