Experimental study of the effects of LPG on spark ignition engine performance

Abstract

Paper presented at the 5th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, South Africa, 1-4 July, 2007.

An experimental device was developed to investigate the performance of a spark ignition engine designed to use gasoline whose system has been modified to use LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Temperatures (exhaust gases, oil, water, combustion air); power and torque were evaluated for different engine gear. Thermocouples were used K type and transducers of pressure with signal in mV, to evaluate the power and torque, were used a digital accelerometer. These experiments are made to clarify to aspects like the vehicle performance and safety of the people. The results indicate that all the temperatures (exhaust gases, oil, combustion air, water in the radiator) are increased considerably using LPG. For similar conditions, the power and torque decrease. The inspection made in the installed components to make the conversion indicates that the used equipment at the moment, does not present safeties devices for the control in emergency situations, detection and blockade in the presence of LPG within the automobile are not considered.