A comparative evaluation of the performance characteristics of a spark ignition engine using hydrogen and compressed natural gas as alternative fuels

The basic intent of the present work is to evaluate the potential of using a clean-burning fuel such as hydrogen for small horsepower spark ignition engines. Since compressed natural gas (CNG) has already been used as an alternative fuel for internal combustion engines, an effort has been made in the present work to compare hydrogen fuelling with CNG operation. The engine was operated separately either with hydrogen or compressed natural gas using an electronically-controlled, solenoid-actuated injection system developed in the Engines and Unconventional Fuels Laboratory of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. A comparative analysis of the performance and combustion characteristics of the engine system has been made with respect to both the gaseous fuels.