Optimization on ignition timing and EGR ratio of a spark-ignition engine fuelled with natural gas-hydrogen blends

In this paper, 20%H₂ (20% hydrogen in natural gas-hydrogen blends, by volume) is selected as the test fuel, and the ignition timing and EGR ratio are adjusted to optimize the performance, combustion, and emissions of a natural gas-hydrogen engine. An experimental investigation on the effect of ignition timings, EGR ratios on combustion behaviors and emissions of a spark-ignition engine fuelled with natural-gas and hydrogen blends was conducted. When increasing the ignition timing at specified EGR ratio, engine power output will give its peak value at MBT timing. Large EGR introduction decreases engine power output and increases combustion duration. Effective thermal efficiency shows an increasing trend at the small EGR ratio and a decreasing trend with further increasing EGR ratio. With advancing the ignition timing, the flame development duration is increased, and the rapid combustion duration and total combustion duration are decreased. All of these three kinds of combustion duration are increased with the increase of EGR ratio. HC concentration is decreased and NOx concentration is increased with advancing the ignition timing while CO emission varies little with the ignition timing. NOx concentration is decreased with the increase of EGR ratio. HC emission is increased with the increase of EGR ratio. CO and CO₂ emissions show little variations with the EGR ratio and ignition timing. Based on the above analysis, a MAP containing ignition timings and EGR ratios for 20%H₂ fuel blend is presented, and this will provide the reference and guidance to engine designers and engineers. In addition, through optimizing ignition timing and EGR ratio, high efficiency and low emission spark-ignition engine can be realized fueled with natural gas-hydrogen blends.