Performance evaluation of the LPG engine applied to catalytic reforming system for producing hydrogen

Abstract

Despite the global trend toward electrification of powertrains, when life cycle assessment (LCA) is considered, greenhouse gases (GHG) from electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, and internal combustion engine vehicles are expected to be similar depending on the source of the powerplant. A catalytic reforming system is developed, and its performance is evaluated to maximize the advantages of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engines. To optimize the catalytic reforming system, the performance of brake specific fuel consumption and brake specific emissions was evaluated by changing the air fuel ratio. Based on the measured values, various efficiencies were derived and performance was compared to conventional system. When the catalytic reforming system was applied under same operating conditions as the conventional system, fuel consumption and hydrocarbon emissions performance decreased. But they could be overcome by adjusting air fuel ratio. Finally, the best performance improvement was obtained by applying the catalyst reforming system and adjusting the air-fuel ratio to 1.1-1.2.