Precombustion Chamber Design and Performance Studies for a Large Bore Natural Gas Engine

Abstract

Precombustion chamber (PCC) ignition is a common method for extending the lean limit and reducing combustion variability in large bore (36–56 cm) natural gas engines. An important component that commonly fails and requires regular replacement, besides the spark plug, is the checkvalve. The checkvalve meters fuel flow into the PCC. In this program the use of an electronic valve for monitoring fuel to the PCC instead of the checkvalve is investigated. Metering the fuel into the PCC with an electronic valve provides a number of different options for improving performance in addition to the benefit of extended valve life. PCC nozzle design is also evaluated as a means for improving PCC and engine performance. Additionally, emissions formation in the PCC is evaluated through the use of a separate pressure transducer in the PCC and a fast sample valve that extracts gas from the PCC.