Katerina Swanson
Dual-fuel engines can operate using a mixture of two different fuels, typically diesel and natural gas. They can also run on diesel fuel only if the gas supply is temporarily interrupted. This technology has proven itself in drilling and well-servicing applications. The dual-fuel system uses natural gas as the main fuel, while diesel is used to ignite the gas/air mixture inside the cylinder. This combination of fuels offers several advantages, including fuel diversity, high efficiency, and lower NOx and PM emissions. However, it may also lead to increased carbon monoxide and UHC emissions and reduced efficiency under light load conditions. Dual-fuel engines have been developed by companies such as Wärtsilä, with the first dual fuel Wärtsilä 32DF engines for marine applications introduced in 2003.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Engines that can operate using a mixture of two different fuels are called dual-fuel engines |
| Fuel Types | Natural gas, diesel, biodiesel, landfill gas, bio-gas, LPG, light fuel oil, HFO, biofuel, gasoline, CNG, LNG, hydrogen |
| Conversion | Piped natural gas is preferred for conversions due to the volume of gas required. Gas and air are blended behind the air filter before the turbocharger by a central mixer. |
| Efficiency | Dual-fuel engines have a thermal efficiency of 36%. Dual-fuel engines that use natural gas and diesel have been recorded to have efficiencies exceeding 47%. |
| Emissions | Dual-fuel engines emit less NOx, CO2, PM, and soot than diesel engines. However, they emit more HC and CO. |
| Cost | Dual-fuel engines offer fuel savings and lower operating costs. |
| Performance | Dual-fuel engines have comparable transient performance with their diesel-only alternatives. |
| Flexibility | Dual-fuel engines can seamlessly switch between fuels during operation without loss of power or speed. |
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What You'll Learn
Dual-fuel engines can use diesel and natural gas together
Dual-fuel engines use diesel as the ignition source and natural gas as the main energy source. Natural gas is introduced into the intake air of the inlet manifold and is then ignited by the direct injection of diesel in the cylinder. This process is known as dual-fuel mode.
Dual-fuel engines have been used in drilling and well-servicing applications. They are also used in marine applications, with the first gas-driven support vessel, Viking Energy, using four dual-fuel Wärtsilä 32DF engines.
Dual-fuel engines have both economic and environmental benefits. They can reduce NOx, CO2, and PM emissions. They also have a longer ignition delay than diesel engines.
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They can also run on diesel fuel only
Dual-fuel engines can also run on diesel fuel alone. In a dual-fuel engine, both types of combustion coexist together, with a carburetted mixture of air and high-octane-index gaseous fuel compressed as in a conventional diesel engine. However, the mixture of air and gaseous fuel does not auto-ignite, so it is fired by a small liquid fuel injection of diesel, which ignites spontaneously at the end of the compression phase.
This means that, in the case of a lack of gaseous fuel, the engine can run on diesel fuel only, by switching from dual-fuel mode. This is possible because a dual-fuel engine must be equipped with diesel injectors, exactly as if it were a diesel engine. Therefore, it can burn 100% diesel if necessary, although this results in much higher emissions.
Dual-fuel engines are often used in the oil and gas industry, where they have proven their worth over the years in drilling and well-servicing applications. They frequently use diesel and natural gas fuels together, but they can also operate using diesel fuel only if the natural gas is unavailable. Beyond natural gas and diesel, some dual-fuel engines can also use biodiesel, landfill gas, biogas, and other fuels.
Dual-fuel engines have both economic and environmental benefits. They can decrease NOx, CO2, and PM emissions compared to diesel engines. They also offer fuel diversity, high efficiency, and lower emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).
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Dual-fuel engines have higher fuel efficiency than diesel engines
Dual-fuel engines are designed to run on both conventional oil fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG) or similar gaseous fuels. They can also use mixtures of biodiesel, landfill gas, bio-gas, and other fuels. The primary fuel is usually natural gas, which is injected during the compression stroke, followed by diesel injection ignition. This process is known as partial premixed combustion, and it has been shown to improve both thermal and combustion efficiency over traditional fumigated dual-fuel combustion modes.
The thermal efficiency of dual-fuel engines is 36%, and they can provide fuel flexibility, a higher compression ratio, lower emissions, and better efficiency than diesel engines. They also have a higher power output and high efficiency, yet with emissions close to those of a gas-fired spark-ignition engine. The use of natural gas as the primary fuel can lead to improved performance in oil and gas applications, as it has a higher power output per unit of engine volume compared to diesel.
Dual-fuel engines can also take advantage of interruptible natural gas contracts, which are offered at a lower thermal cost than firm gas supplies. This, combined with the engine's higher efficiency, makes dual-fuel engines a financially attractive option. Additionally, dual-fuel engines can be created by upfitting existing diesel engines with dual-fuel kits, which is a cost-effective way to improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Furthermore, the RCCI combustion concept employed by dual-fuel engines operates at a lower fuel injection pressure and leaner combustion mode, which decreases the in-cylinder combustion temperature compared to conventional diesel combustion. This results in a simultaneous reduction of NOx and soot to very low levels, maintaining the same or higher fuel conversion efficiency.
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They are environmentally friendly, reducing NOx, CO2 and PM emissions
Dual-fuel engines are designed to reduce emissions and comply with stricter emissions standards. They are environmentally friendly, reducing NOx, CO2, and PM emissions.
NOx refers to nitrogen oxides, specifically nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Diesel engines produce more harmful NOx emissions than petrol or gasoline engines due to their higher combustion temperature. Dual-fuel engines lower combustion temperature, typically through Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), to reduce NOx emissions. This method cools some of the exhaust gases and injects them back into the combustion chamber, resulting in less oxygen available to feed the flame. Additionally, Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) can be employed, where urea or ammonia is injected at temperatures of about 1000°C, reducing NOx gases to nitrogen without catalysts.
Dual-fuel engines also contribute to reduced CO2 emissions. The amount of CO2 produced when a fuel is burned is dependent on the carbon content of the fuel. Natural gas, primarily methane (CH4), has a higher energy content relative to other fuels, resulting in lower CO2 emissions per unit of energy generated. Dual-fuel engines can utilize natural gas as their primary fuel, leading to reduced CO2 emissions compared to engines solely reliant on diesel or other fuels with higher carbon content.
Particulate Matter (PM) emissions, commonly referred to as soot, are also reduced by dual-fuel engines. The use of natural gas in these engines minimizes the production of PM, as it is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to diesel. Additionally, the diesel fuel injection system in dual-fuel engines can be optimized to further reduce PM emissions.
By leveraging the advantages of both diesel and natural gas, dual-fuel engines offer a more environmentally friendly alternative, mitigating NOx, CO2, and PM emissions through various mechanisms.
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Dual-fuel engines are more cost-effective
Dual-fuel engines can also use other combinations of fuels, such as biodiesel, landfill gas, and bio-gas, depending on availability. This flexibility in fuel choice can lead to significant cost savings, especially when one fuel type experiences price fluctuations or supply disruptions.
For example, in the oil and gas industry, dual-fuel engines can take advantage of on-site natural gas, reducing the need for diesel fuel transportation and refining. This not only lowers operating expenses but also contributes to a reduced carbon footprint.
Additionally, dual-fuel kits offer a cost-effective solution by allowing existing engines to be upfitted with dual-fuel capabilities. This approach is more financially viable than purchasing new dual-fuel engines, as it requires minimal changes to the existing engine setup while still delivering the benefits of dual-fuel technology.
While the upfront investment in dual-fuel infrastructure can be significant, the potential for cost savings and increased fuel efficiency makes dual-fuel engines a compelling choice for businesses aiming to streamline operations and maximise return on investment.
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Frequently asked questions
A dual-fuel engine is one that can run on two different types of fuel, usually diesel and natural gas. The engine can run on both fuels simultaneously or use one as the primary fuel and the other as a backup.
In a dual-fuel engine, a natural gas-air mixture is admitted to the cylinder and compressed. At the end of the compression stroke, a small amount of diesel fuel is injected, which ignites the gas-air mixture. This process combines the flammability of diesel with the benefits of natural gas as a primary fuel.
Dual-fuel engines offer fuel flexibility, efficiency, and environmental benefits. They can help reduce NOx, CO2, and PM emissions compared to traditional diesel engines. Additionally, they provide fuel diversity, allowing the use of natural gas, light fuel oil, HFO, or biofuel.
