Innovative Low Carbon, High Fuel Efficiency Power Generation Technology

Completed

Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Applications for heat and electricity)
Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Oil and gas combustion)

Basic and strategic applied research

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Prof A Cairns
Faculty of Engineering
University of Nottingham

Standard

EPSRC

01 February 2017

30 November 2017

10 months

£110,813

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 theoreticalanalysis, 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 highestcombustion and thermal efficiencies within the unique environment of relatively high starting temperature, low startingpressure 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 andother potential biofuels offering synergy). Such calculations would provide a baseline. In reality faster modes may berequired (e.g. fuel stratification, dual fuel etc). Thereafter, formal engineering concept generation and selection procedureswould be adopted to specify the ideal combustion system type and layout. The performance of the system taken forwardwould then be evaluated in detail using existing 1D thermodynamic (GT-Power) and/or 3D CFD simulation codes. Inaddition to this simulation work Brunel would undertake a detailed review of potential markets and appropriate fuels for thetechnology, 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 theoperation 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 standardtest facilities at Brunel, with development support provided by the industrial partners as required. Specifically, the engineoperation and efficiencies would be evaluated at rated power and other key sites nominated to aid understanding of thenovel 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

03/01/19