Development of a 1 kW Micro-Polygeneration System Fueled by Natural Gas for Single-Family Users

Alfredo Gimelli and Massimiliano Muccillo
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Alfredo Gimelli: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Napoli, Italy
Massimiliano Muccillo: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Napoli, Italy

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 24, 1-21

Abstract: The use of primary energy saving techniques and renewable energy systems has become mandatory to tackle the effects of global temperature rise. As a result, a transition is taking place from centralized energy generation to distributed energy generation. Starting from the experience concerning a 15 kW micro-CHP plant previously designed at DII, this paper addresses the development of a 1 kW micro-CHP system fueled by natural gas for single-family users. Specifically, the paper presents a wide experimental investigation aimed at optimizing performance and emissions of a small scale two-stroke spark ignition gasoline engine properly modified to be fueled with natural gas to make the engine more suitable for cogeneration purposes. The described activity was carried out at the DII of the University of Naples Federico II. Rigorous laboratory tests were conducted with the engine in order to characterize both gasoline and CNG operation in terms of brake mechanical power, overall efficiency and exhaust gas emissions in different operating regimes. Furthermore, several physical quantities associated with the engine operation were measured through several sensors in order to optimize performance and emissions achieved when the engine is fueled with CNG. In particular, dynamic pressure variations inside the cylinder were measured and analyzed to evaluate the effect of the adopted fuel on the optimum ignition-timing angle and cyclic dispersion.

Keywords: micro-CHP system; two-stroke spark ignition engine; natural gas operation; experimental investigation; performance and emission (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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