Υποβοηθούμενη εσωτερική καύση με υδρογόνο για μείωση των αερίων εκπομπών

Abstract

The present Diploma Thesis examines the use of Hydrogen in Internal Combustion Engines (‘I.C.E’s), in order to reduce the consumption of conventional fuel (petrol), and the gaseous pollutants’ emissions. Τo further reduce the gaseous pollutants, a three-way catalytic converter has been installed on the experimental I.C.E. following a modification of the exhaust system. Furthermore, a study on the effects of increasing concentration of the electrolyte in respect to the production of H2/O2 was performed. The Thesis consists of six chapters. The first chapter describes the purpose and the subject of the Thesis, namely explaining the benefits of using hydrogen in I.C.E. The second chapter, being the theoretical background of the Thesis, analyses the I.C.E.s (historical background, how they operate, as well as their categories). It also describes the arrangements made to affect reduction of pollutants emitted and the operating conditions of the engine. The basic pollutants emitted and the applied legal framework regarding these are then described. Furthermore, it analyses how the three-way catalytic converter works and how its application to the I.C.E reduces the pollutants’ emissions which are released into the atmosphere. Within this chapter, a description of the physical and chemical characteristics of Hydrogen is performed, as well as the various methods by which it is produced. Finally, an analysis of how the Hydrogen in I.C.E. can reduce petrol consumption and the emitted pollutants and which of its characteristics can achieve this reduction is described. The third chapter analyses the methodology and the experimental process stages. It describes the engine which was used to implement the experimental part and the modifications made for the experimental process purposes. Additionally, it analyses the electrolysis device and the gas emission measurement analyser. The fourth chapter presents the results obtained by the experimental process. The fifth chapter describes the abovementioned results, compares the analysis results in the presence and absence of hydrogen in the feed stream and analyses the financial impact of using hydrogen in the I.C.E. The sixth chapter draws the Thesis’ conclusions from the above.