Desenvolvimento de sistema de alimentação de combustível para motogerador de ciclo Otto para operar com biogás

Abstract

The biogas production at Sewage Treatment Stations (ETS), obtained from the degradation process of organic biomass present in wastewater in anaerobic biological reactors, has technical and economic viability to be used as an alternative of sustainable development, in terms generation. In this context, Otto-cycle propulsion systems have a robust and technically viable solution to operate with biogas efficiently, where small-power (<75 kW) motor generators can work together to supply the energy necessary for the energy self-sustainability of the ETS, and even generate enough to enable the commercialization of surplus energy. In order to contribute to this technological niche, this research work seeks solutions to some operational issues still not very well resolved, regarding the operation of biogas generators. For this reason, it is proposed the development of a real-scale prototype of use, performing an engineering study dedicated to the adaptation of a 2000-cylinder internal combustion engine, originally driven by gasoline, by installing an engine-to-gas conversion kit with specific modifications to operate with biogas in function of its physico-chemical characteristics. In addition, the development of the installation of a biogas compressor unit with its peripherals to be moved through the work available on the crankshaft of the engine, in order to create an autonomous system. Fluid dynamics simulation studies with qualitative flow analysis were also performed for two types of commercial mixers, as well as the ideal combustion simulation study. The experimental apparatus assembled and the methodology used to test the generation system aim to prove the efficacy for self-sustainability of TEE and also to be applied in other types of industry where it is desired to implement cogeneration.