[Gasification] Engine for Gasifier

[Mark Ludlow]

Kevin,

Do you know if your escort has an OBD-II ECU (engine control unit)? If so,
you can "easily" re-program it to satisfy the demands of woodgas combustion
timing.

Mark

-----Original Message-----
From: gasification-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:gasification-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of Kevin Chisholm
Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2007 9:41 AM
To: Discussion of biomass pyrolysis and gasification
Subject: [Gasification] Engine for Gasifier

I have a 1994 Ford Escort, 285,000 kM, good engine and drive train, but 
the body, suspension, floor, windshield are shot. If I sold the entire 
car, I'd be lucky to get $75 for it.

The engine is gasoline, 1.9 litre displacement, 8:1 compression ratio,, 
has fuel injection, and is "computer controlled."

A 1.9 litre engine running on wood gas at 1,800 RPM should be able to 
produce about 10 kW of generator output.

What does the List think about the practicality of converting this to an 
engine that could run on wood gas, assuming that we have a "reasonably 
good gasifier?"

With the existing computer control system, there may be inherent 
problems trying to control the engine operation.

1: Would the system be able to control spark advance adequately?
2: Is the 8:1 compression ratio unacceptably low?
3: Could it be operated as a "dual fuel engine", where it was started on 
gasoline, and then wood gas was supplied to a point where gasoline flow 
was cut back say 80% to 90%?

Any and all coments, suggestions, and observations would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

Kevin



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