Design of a constant volume combustion chamber and data acquisition system for hydrogen carrier fuels

There are many fuels and blends that are proposed as alternatives to hydrocarbon fuels for use in Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs). Considerable research is required, however, in order to characterize an alternative fuel's combustion behavior, so that engine design and optimization can be achieved. One important combustion characteristic is the laminar flame speed of fuel-air mixtures at temperatures and pressures that are expected inside reciprocating ICEs. Such measurements of a number of alternative fuels are notably lacking in the literature. Thus, a prime objective of the research project is to fill this critical research void. Furthermore, computer-simulated combustion models must also be developed and verified using measured data, allowing for alternative fuel engine behavior to be accurately predicted. This will in turn enhance the plausibility of commercializing alternative fuel engine technology.