Innovative Low Carbon, High Fuel Efficiency Power Generation Technology

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Oil and gas combustion)
Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Other bio-energy)

Basic and strategic applied research

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Prof A Cairns
Faculty of Engineering
University of Nottingham

Standard

EPSRC

01 October 2015

30 November 2016

14 months

£230,046

Energy

East Midlands

Energy : Energy

Prof A Cairns, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham

Dr J Xia, Sch of Engineering and Design, Brunel University
Professor H Zhao, Sch of Engineering and Design, Brunel University

The overall goal of the work at Brunel would be to improve understanding of the ideal combustion system via theoretical analysis, simulation and engine testing. The objective of the first phase of work at Brunel would be to specify a combustion system that can attain the highest combustion and thermal efficiencies within the unique environment of relatively high starting temperature, low starting pressure and expanding volume. Initial work would involve benchmarking the requirements of the combustion system. Specifically, this would be reliant upon use of existing empirical data for key nominated fuels (including natural gas and other potential biofuels offering synergy). Such calculations would provide a baseline. In reality faster modes may be required (e.g. fuel stratification, dual fuel etc). Thereafter, formal engineering concept generation and selection procedures would be adopted to specify the ideal combustion system type and layout. The performance of the system taken forward would then be evaluated in detail using existing 1D thermodynamic (GT-Power) and/or 3D CFD simulation codes. In addition to this simulation work Brunel would undertake a detailed review of potential markets and appropriate fuels for the technology, with a full report on potential future opportunities prepared. Thereafter, in the second phase of work at Brunel the single cylinder would be fitted to an engine test bed and the operation of the novel unit fully quantified in terms of mechanical operation, gas exchange efficiency, combustion efficiency, thermal efficiency, fuel economy and engine-out emissions. This work would make use of the existing industry standard test facilities at Brunel, with development support provided by the industrial partners as required. Specifically, the engine operation and efficiencies would be evaluated at rated power and other key sites nominated to aid understanding of the novel mode of operation. Finally, these test results would be used to fully correlate the engine simulation and hence maximise understanding of the novel mode of engine operation proposed

30/11/15