The analysis of hydrogen gas addition in biodiesel dual-fuel system of the efficiency and operational characteristics of pro quip u.s.a qdx-400 diesel engine

Abstract

The increasing demand for energy and the need for more efficient fuel utilization have encouraged the development of technologies aimed at improving diesel engine performance. One promising approach is the utilization of hydrogen gas produced through water electrolysis as a supplementary fuel in a biodiesel–hydrogen dual-fuel system. This study aimed to analyze the effect of hydrogen gas addition on the performance of a Pro Quip U.S.A QDX 400E diesel engine fueled with biodiesel under a dual-fuel operating system. The research was conducted experimentally by varying the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) voltage from 6.0 to 6.4 V to regulate hydrogen production. The parameters evaluated included fuel consumption, engine speed (RPM), vibration, noise level, and hydrogen concentration (PPMv). The results showed that the addition of hydrogen improved the combustion process, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and increased engine speed. The optimum operating condition was achieved at a PWM voltage of 6.3 V, which produced the lowest fuel consumption of 15.5 mL/min, an RPM increase of 2.44%, and the highest efficiency improvement of 14.84% compared to the baseline condition. However, at a voltage of 6.4 V, indications of hydrogen over-supply were observed, leading to increased engine vibration and noise levels. Based on the scoring method, the best operating condition was obtained at a hydrogen concentration of approximately 12,450 PPMv.