Title: Design optimisation for an LPG automobile engine

Authors: Tzann-Dwo Wu, Yih-Nan Chen, Jia-Yush Yan, Shenq-Yuh Jaw

Addresses: Department of Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering, National, Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan. Department of Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering, National, Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan. Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617. Department of Naval Architecture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Kelung 20224, Taiwan

Abstract: Previous attempts to convert conventional gasoline engines into Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) engines have always proved futile due to lack of performance and incompatible emission levels. It is easily recognised that LPG and liquid gasoline require very different combustion conditions. Thus, an engine system designed for gasoline does not necessarily meet the required conditions for LPG operation. In addition, there is no readily available means to determine the proper operation conditions for an LPG engine. In this paper, we propose a design optimisation methodology based upon flow visualisation technique. The experimental results proved that the flow speed serves as a good measurement for the mass flow rate in the LPG engine system. The test system based on the proposed design achieved very good performance and was able to meet the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards.

Keywords: engine performance; exhaust emissions; flow visualisation; LPG.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2000.001876

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2000 Vol.24 No.1, pp.100-120

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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