Application of response surface methodology to optimize the dual-fuel engine running on producer gas

This work develops a computational framework that optimizes the performance and emissions of a dual-fuel diesel engine running on biomass-derived producer gas as the main fuel and diesel as the pilot fuel. The study connects essential responses, brake thermal efficiency, peak combustion pressure, and emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and unburnt hydrocarbon (HC) with controllable factors like engine load and pilot fuel injection duration. The approach consists of simulating the impacts of these controllable inputs on engine performance, then optimization to find the optimal fuel injection pressure to balance performance and emissions. The results show that engine load considerably affects NOx emissions and brake thermal efficiency; greater loads lower CO emissions but raise HC emissions at low compression ratios. Although it had little effect on NOx emissions, fuel injection pressure was vital in balancing general engine performance. Using optimization, an optimal fuel injection pressure value of 218.5 bar was identified, thereby producing a brake thermal efficiency of 27.35% and lowering emissions to 80 ppm HC, 202 ppm NOx, and 92 ppm CO. This computational method offers a strategic means for improving the efficiency of dual-fuel engines while reducing their environmental impact, hence guiding more sustainable and effective engine operation.