Search Results

A single cylinder engine was modified to study the potential of reducing fuel consumption and emissions in stratified, direct injection, spark ignition engines with the use of air-assisted nozzles. The spray angle of the nozzle was varied (60° and 90°), and two injection strategies were investigated: (I) the fuel was injected in the nozzle prior to transportation into the chamber via the air flow and (II) the fuel was injected directly into the air flow. The results of the engine experiments were compared with the spray characteristic of each configuration. To facilitate the comparison, two-dimensional images of the sprays were recorded under atmospheric conditions. The fuel was visualized using Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF). The optical chamber was equipped with three optical accesses and a standard injection system from a production engine.

A bi-fuel (Compressed Natural Gas [CNG] and gasoline) pickup truck has been developed using the Ford Alternative Fuel Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) process. The base vehicle's 4.9L engine has been specially modified for improved durability on gaseous fuels. The base vehicle's configuration has been designed for conversion to bi-fuel CNG operation. A complete CNG fuel system has been designed and qualified, including fuel tanks, fuel system, and electrical interface. The completed vehicle has been safety and emission certified, demonstrating CARB Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) emissions in MY95. This paper details the design objectives, development process, CNG components, and integration of the two fuel systems.