Improvement of Thermal Efficiency Using Fuel Reforming in SI Engine

Abstract

In this study, the improvement of the thermal efficiency is examined by exergy and experimental analysis in fuel reforming system. Exhaust heat recovery, high compression combustion, lean combustion are important methods for the thermal efficiency improvement in SI engine. These three methods could be combined by using the dehydrogenation reaction. A synergistic improvement of the exergy efficiency could be achieved by combining the high compression and the lean combustion with the reformed gas. The thermal efficiency of this system improved by 30% in comparison with a conventional SI engine by use of Methylcyclohexane reformer installed in the exhaust pipe.