[Gasification] Engine for Gasifier

[David G. LeVine]

At 12:41 PM 9/15/2007, you wrote:

>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?"

How about a reasonably good engine?  At 230,000+ KM, how long will 
the engine last?  Should it be torn down and rebuilt or a backup 
engine be obtained if this is a primary power unit?

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

This is VERY likely.  Woodgas/Producer Gas is much slower burning 
than gasoline, this implies more advance or the retarded timing will 
cause reduced power, reduced economy, excessive engine heating, etc.

A Megasquirt ECU may be a way to go, it allows you to determine the 
settings.  See http://www.megasquirt.info/ for more info.

>1: Would the system be able to control spark advance adequately?

No, I don't think so since the advance would be VERY different for 
woodgas and gasoline.

>2: Is the 8:1 compression ratio unacceptably low?

Nope, but shaved heads or a turbo would help a lot.

>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%?

Yes, it could, or dropped back to NO gasoline once the woodgas was running.

My understanding is that the gasifier will run better at constant 
load than at variable load (as in a vehicle), so this may be a MUCH 
better choice.

David G. LeVine
Nashua, NH  03060