Integration, Optimization, and Validation of Oxygen-Enriched Combustion for 100-kW Engines

Oxygen-enriched air has been used in the past to enhance combustion in burners (e.g. for Stirling engines and thermophotovoltaics). The same technology can be extended to internal combustion engines providing potential benefits that include; cold start operation, emissions control, combustion control, increased power density, and increased system efficiency. However, integration, demonstration, and practical implementation of an optimized system have yet to be realized. In Phase I, Mainstream will demonstrate oxygen-enriched combustion on a small-scale internal combustion engine test stand, perform optimization tests, and use the experimental results to design an oxygen-enriched engine for future 100-kW generators. Engine models will be developed that include the effects of oxygen enrichment. The optimized performance and emissions of the full-scale engine will be compared to the 7.2 L Caterpillar 3126B baseline engine. In the Phase I Option, Mainstream will develop emissions control strategies. In Phase II, Mainstream will work with large engine OEMs to design, build, integrate, and test the optimized air separation technology into a 100-kW class diesel engine.