Experimental Underperformance Detection of a Fixed-Speed Diesel–Electric Generator Based on Exhaust Gas Emissions

Milad Ghorbanzadeh, Mohamad Issa and Adrian Ilinca ()
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Milad Ghorbanzadeh: Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada
Mohamad Issa: Department of Applied Sciences, Quebec Maritime Institute, Rimouski 53 Rue St Germain O, Rimouski, QC G5L 4B4, Canada
Adrian Ilinca: Mechanical Engineering Department, École de Technologie Supérieure, 1100 Notre-Dame St W, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: Low load is one of the most challenging combustion stages for a fixed-speed diesel electric generator. Due to incomplete combustion during this phase, a significant proportion of contaminants form inside the cylinder. This can lead to numerous chemical and mechanical harms to the diesel engine, resulting in friction, efficiency reduction, increased fuel consumption, and prematurely ending the generator’s life. These phenomena are qualified as underperformance, possibly due to a misfire and/or a low-efficiency value (air fuel–fuel ratio). Therefore, detecting and preventing underperformance and reducing its extended operation is crucial. This paper deals with the performance and emission analysis of a multicylinder fixed-speed diesel engine driving an electric generator (300 kW) fueled with ultra-low sulfur diesel (≤15 mg/kg) to provide energy in an isolated Canadian community. The tests were carried out according to ISO 3046-1:2002 standard in a remote site to identify clues that can prevent prolonged operation in underperformance. Among the tests conducted, emissions such as sulfur (S), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and exhaust gas temperature are considered the best indices for detecting the underperformance of a fixed-speed diesel–electric generator under very-low and low load (0–30%) with the following registered values: 18 ppm for S, 4% for CO 2 , 150 ppm for NOx, and 210 °C for the temperature.

Keywords: low load; exhaust gas temperature; underperformance; brake-specific fuel consumption; diesel generator; sulfur emission; nitrogen oxide emission; carbon dioxide 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: 2023
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