Simulation of Parameters of Locomotive Diesel, Gas Diesel and Gas Engines Using Multi-Zone and One-Zone Models

Modern requirements for reduction of the carbon footprint and toxic emissions of internal combustion engines, as well as their operation cost may be fulfilled by conversion of diesel engines for operation on natural gas. Methane, which is the main component of natural gas, contains by 15% less carbon than diesel fuel, and its heat value is by 15% higher (by mass). Therefore, an engine fed by natural gas may reduce its CO2 emissions by up to 30% compared to the base diesel engine. The price of natural gas in Russia is almost twice as much less than that of diesel fuel. As locomotive engines often operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week, the gain in fuel costs may be large. Two basic methods of diesel engine conversion for operation on natural gas were analyzed: gas engine and gas diesel (dual-fuel) engine. Simulation of diesel, gas diesel and gas engines for a shunting locomotive was done using the multi-zone AVL FIRE model and one-zone model developed in MADI. The simulation showed that transfer from diesel cycle to gas and gas diesel cycles resulted in considerable decrease in fuel consumption and emissions of particles and NOx. The gas engine had lower mechanical and thermal stresses compared to diesel and gas diesel versions.