Investigations on Low Emissions GDI Engine for Agricultural Applications in India

Objectives: To convert conventional diesel engine into an efficient and low emissions mechanically operated GDI engine particularly used in Indian agricultural sector. Methods: The modified mechanically operated Gasoline Direct Injection engine (GDI) runs at constant speed. The gasoline fuel was supplied to the fuel injector by newly developed GDI fuel injection component. Engine head was modified to fix the spark plug and fuel injector at proper position. Compression ratio was changed to operate on GDI mode. Experimental investigations were carried out to optimize the fuel injection and spark ignition timing. Optimized engine achieved low brake specific fuel consumption, maximum in-cylinder pressure, minimum cycle by cycle variations and maximum heat release rate. Findings: The study shows optimum compromise between engine performance and emissions was achieved at optimized injection and ignition timings. Study also shows that the engine power was increased by 16.5% than conventional DI diesel engine. The NOx and smoke emissions from mechanically operated GDI engine were observed to be less comparing to diesel engine used in agricultural applications. Application/Improvements: The alternative fuels such as ethanol, methanol and bio-fuels can be used in GDI engine to overcome fossil fuel crisis. Keywords: Diesel Engine, Engine Head, Fuel Injection System, Spark Ignition System, GDI Engine