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'{{About|engines that use gaseous fuel|gasoline engines|Petrol engine|other uses|Internal combustion engine}} {{Refimprove|date=September 2013}} [[File:HartopGasEngineModel.JPG|thumb|Model of an S type Hartop Gas Engine]] A '''gas engine''' is an [[internal combustion engine]] which runs on a gas fuel, such as [[coal gas]], [[producer gas]], [[biogas]], [[landfill gas]] or [[natural gas]]. In the [[United Kingdom|UK]], the term is unambiguous. In the [[United States|US]], due to the widespread use of "gas" as an abbreviation for [[gasoline]], such an engine might also be called a gaseous-fueled engine or natural gas engine or spark ignited. Generally the term ''gas engine'' refers to a heavy-duty industrial engine capable of running continuously at full load for periods approaching a high fraction of 8,760 hours per year, unlike a gasoline automobile engine, which is lightweight, high-revving and typically runs for no more than 4,000 hours in its entire life. Typical power ranges from BITCH {{convert|10|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|4 |MW|hp|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clarke-energy.com/gas-engines/ |title=GE Jenbacher &#124; Gas engines |publisher=Clarke-energy.com |date= |accessdate=2013-09-28}}</ref> ==History== [[File:Lenoir gas engine 1860.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Lenoir gas engine 1860.]] [[File:Enginy Otto-langen 1867.jpg|thumb|200px|Otto-[[Eugen Langen|Langen]] gas engine 1867.]] [[File:Crossley Atmospheric Engine.JPG|thumb|200px|3 bhp gas fired Crossley atmospheric engine in action at Anson Engine Museum.]] ===Lenoir=== There were many experiments with gas engines in the 19th century but the first practical gas-fuelled [[internal combustion engine]] was built by the Belgian engineer [[Étienne Lenoir]] in 1860.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://library.thinkquest.org/C006011/english/sites/gasmotoren.php3?v=2 |title=start your engines! - gas-engines |publisher=Library.thinkquest.org |date= |accessdate=2013-09-28}}</ref> However, the Lenoir engine suffered from a low power output and high fuel consumption. ===Otto and Langen=== His work was further researched and improved by a German engineer [[Nikolaus August Otto]], who was later to invent the first 4-stroke engine to efficiently burn fuel directly in a piston chamber. In August 1864 Otto met [[Eugen Langen]] who, being technically trained, glimpsed the potential of Otto's development, and one month after the meeting, founded the first engine factory in the world, NA Otto & Cie, in Cologne. In 1867 Otto patented his improved design and it was awarded the Grand Prize at the 1867 Paris World Exhibition. This atmospheric engine worked by drawing a mixture of gas and air into a vertical cylinder. When the piston has risen about eight inches, the gas and air mixture is ignited by a small pilot flame burning outside, which forces the piston (which is connected to a toothed rack) upwards, creating a partial vacuum beneath it. No work is done on the upward stroke. The work is done when the piston and toothed rack descend under the effects of atmospheric pressure and their own weight, turning the main shaft and flywheels as they fall. Its advantage over the existing steam engine was its ability to be started and stopped on demand, making it ideal for intermittent work such as barge loading or unloading.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.mosi.org.uk/media/33871763/crossleyatmosphericgasengine.pdf|title = Crossley Atmospheric Gas Engine|publisher = Museum of Science and Industry|accessdate = 23 September 2013|deadurl = yes|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131022041246/http://www.mosi.org.uk/media/33871763/crossleyatmosphericgasengine.pdf|archivedate = 22 October 2013|df = }}</ref> ===Four-stroke engine=== The atmospheric gas engine was in turn replaced by Otto's [[four-stroke engine]]. The changeover to four-stroke engines was remarkably rapid, with the last atmospheric engines being made in 1877. Liquid-fuelled engines soon followed using diesel (around 1898) or gasoline (petrol) (around 1900). ===Crossley=== The best-known builder of gas engines in the [[UK]] was [[Crossley]] of Manchester, who in 1869 acquired the UK and world (except German) rights to the patents of Otto and Langden for the new gas-fuelled atmospheric engine. In 1876 they acquired the rights to the more efficient Otto four-stroke cycle engine. ===Tangye=== There were several other firms based in the [[Manchester]] area as well. [[Richard Tangye|Tangye Ltd.]], of Smethwick, near Birmingham, sold its first gas engine, a 1 [[nominal horsepower]] two-cycle type, in 1881, and in 1890 the firm commenced manufacture of the four-cycle gas engine.<ref name=GGBasInd>{{cite web|url=http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/wiki/The_Basic_Industries_of_Great_Britain_by_Aberconway:_Chapter_XXI|title=The Basic Industries of Great Britain by Aberconway - Chapter XXI|publisher=Gracesguide.co.uk|accessdate=2010-06-05}}</ref> ===Preservation=== The [[Anson Engine Museum]] in [[Poynton]], near [[Stockport]], [[England]], has a collection of engines that includes several working gas engines, including the largest running [[Crossley]] atmospheric engine ever made. ==Current manufacturers== Manufacturers of gas engines include [[Hyundai Heavy Industries]], Rolls-Royce with the [[Bergen Marine|Bergen-Engines AS]], [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries]], [[Liebherr]], [[MTU Friedrichshafen]], [[GE Jenbacher]], [[Caterpillar Inc.]], [[Perkins Engines]], [[MWM (Motoren Werke Mannheim AG)|MWM]], [[Cummins]], [[Wärtsilä]], [[Waukesha Engine|GE Energy Waukesha]], [[Dresser-Rand Group|Guascor Power]], [[Deutz AG|Deutz]], MTU, MAN, [[Fairbanks Morse]], Doosan, and [[Yanmar]]. Output ranges from about {{convert|10|kW|hp|abbr=on}} [[Cogeneration|micro CHP [combined heat and power]]] to {{convert|18|MW|hp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Wärtsilä 50SG">{{cite web|url=http://wartsila.com/en/power-plants/technology/combustion-engines/gas-engines |title=Gas engines at Wärtsilä |publisher=Wartsila.com |date= |accessdate=2013-09-28}}</ref> Generally speaking, the modern high-speed gas engine is very competitive with gas turbines up to about {{convert|50|MW|hp|abbr=on}} depending on circumstances, and the best ones are much more fuel efficient than the gas turbines. Rolls-Royce with the Bergen Engines, Caterpillar and many other manufacturers base their products on a diesel engine block and crankshaft. GE Jenbacher and Waukesha are the only two companies whose engines are designed and dedicated to gas alone. ==Typical applications== ===Stationary=== Typical applications are [[baseload]] or high-hour generation schemes, including [[combined heat and power]] (for typical performance figures see,<ref>{{cite web|last=Andrews |first=Dave |url=http://www.claverton-energy.com/finning-caterpillar-gas-engine-chp-ratings-and-thermal-outputs.html |title=Finning Caterpillar Gas Engine CHP Ratings &#124; Claverton Group |publisher=Claverton-energy.com |date=2014-04-23 |accessdate=2014-08-09}}</ref> [[landfill]] gas, [[mining|mine]]s gas, [[oil well|well]]-head gas and [[biogas]] (where the [[waste heat]] from the engine may be used to warm the digesters). For typical biogas engine installation parameters see.<ref>{{cite web|last=Andrews |first=Dave |url=http://www.claverton-energy.com/38-hhv-caterpillar-bio-gas-engine-fitted-to-long-reach-sewage-works.html |title=38% HHV Caterpillar Bio-gas Engine Fitted to Sewage Works &#124; Claverton Group |publisher=Claverton-energy.com |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2013-09-28}}</ref> For parameters of a large gas engine CHP system, as fitted in a factory, see.<ref name="claverton-energy.com">{{cite web|last=Andrews |first=Dave |url=http://www.claverton-energy.com/first-energy-offer-excellent-condition-complete-gas-engined-chp-system-for-sale-and-installation.html |title=Complete 7 MWe Deutz ( 2 x 3.5MWe) gas engine CHP system for sale and re-installation in the country of your choice. Similar available on biogas / digester gas &#124; Claverton Group |publisher=Claverton-energy.com |date=2010-06-24 |accessdate=2013-09-28}}</ref> Gas engines are rarely used for standby applications, which remain largely the province of diesel engines. One exception to this is the small (<150&nbsp;kW) emergency generator often installed by farms, museums, small businesses, and residences. Connected to either natural gas from the public utility or propane from on-site storage tanks, these generators can be arranged for automatic starting upon power failure. ===Transport=== The natural gas engines (LNG) are getting more into the marine market, as the lean-burn gas engine can meet the new emission requirements without any extra fuel treatment or exhaust cleaning systems. Use of engines running on [[compressed natural gas]] (CNG) is also growing in the [[bus]] sector. Users in the United Kingdom include [[Reading Buses]]. Use of gas buses is supported by the Gas Bus Alliance<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalcngsolutions.com/page21.htm |title=Global CNG Solutions Ltd - Gas Alliance Group |publisher=Globalcngsolutions.com |date= |accessdate=2014-08-09}}</ref> and manufacturers include [[Scania AB]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scania.co.uk/about-scania/media/press-releases/2013/04/the-uks-first-scania-adl-gas-powered-buses-delivered-to-reading-buses.aspx |title=The UK's first Scania-ADL gas-powered buses delivered to Reading Buses |publisher=scania.co.uk |date=2013-04-23 |accessdate=2014-08-09}}</ref> ==Use of methane or propane gases== Since [[natural gas]] ([[methane]]) has long been a clean, economical, and readily available fuel, many industrial engines are either designed or modified to use gas, as distinguished from [[gasoline]]. Although the carbon emission footprint does not differ significantly, their operation produces less complex-hydrocarbon pollution, and the engines have fewer internal problems. One example is the [[liquefied petroleum gas]] ([[propane]]) engine used in vast numbers of [[forklift truck]]s. Common US usage of "gas" to mean "gasoline" requires the explicit identification of a natural gas engine. (There is also such a thing as "natural gasoline",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eia.gov/tools/glossary/index.php?id=N |title=Glossary - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)|date= |accessdate=2018-12-22}}</ref> but this term, which refers to a subset of [[Natural-gas condensate|natural gas liquids]], is very rarely observed outside the refining industry.) ==Technical details== ===Fuel-air mixing=== A gas engine differs from a [[petrol engine]] in the way the fuel and air are mixed. A petrol engine uses a [[carburetor]] or [[fuel injection]] but a gas engine often uses a [[Venturi effect|venturi]] system to introduce gas into the air flow. Early gas engines used a three-valve system, with separate inlet valves for air and gas. ===Exhaust valves=== The weak point of a gas engine compared to a [[diesel engine]] is the exhaust valves, since the gas engine exhaust gases are much hotter for a given output, and this limits the power output. Thus a diesel engine from a given manufacturer will usually have a higher maximum output than the same engine block size in the gas engine version. The diesel engine will generally have three different ratings - Standby, Prime, and Continuous, (UK, 1-hour rating, 12-hour rating and continuous rating) where as the gas engine will generally only have a Continuous rating, which will be less than the Diesel Continuous rating. ===Ignition=== Various ignition systems have been used, including [[hot-tube ignitor]]s and [[spark ignition]]. Most modern gas engines are essentially [[dual-fuel engine]]s. The main source of energy is the gas-air mixture but it is ignited by the injection of a small volume of [[diesel fuel]]. ==Energy balance== ===Thermal efficiency=== Gas engines that run on natural gas typically have a thermal efficiency between 35-45% (LCV basis).,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clarke-energy.co.uk/gas_engines.html |title=CHP &#124; Cogeneration &#124; GE Jenbacher &#124; Gas Engines |publisher=Clarke Energy |date= |accessdate=2013-09-28}}</ref> The best engines can achieve a thermal efficiency of slightly more than 48% (LCV basis). These gas engines are usually medium speed engines [http://www.rolls-royce.com/energy/energy_products/gas_engines/bergen_b-gas/index.jsp Bergen Engines] Fuel energy arises at the output shaft, the remainder appears as waste heat.<ref name="claverton-energy.com"/> Large engines are more efficient than small engines. Gas engines running on [[biogas]] typically have a slightly lower efficiency (~1-2%) and [[syngas]] reduces the efficiency further still. GE Jenbacher's recent J624 engine is the world's first 24-cylinder gas engine with high efficiency running on methane.<ref name="GE Jenbacher J624">{{cite web|url=http://www.ge-energy.com/prod_serv/products/recip_engines/en/j624_gs.htm |title=Products & Services |publisher=Ge-energy.com |date= |accessdate=2013-09-28}}</ref> When considering engine efficiency one should consider whether this is based on the lower heating value (LCV) or higher heating value (HCV) of the gas. Engine manufacturers will typically quote efficiencies based on the lower heating value of the gas, i.e. the efficiency after energy has been taken to evaporate the intrinsic moisture within the gas itself. Gas distribution networks will typically charge based upon the higher heating value of the gas (i.e. total energy content). A quoted engine efficiency based on LCV might be say 44% whereas the same engine might have an HCV of 39.6% based on HCV on natural gas. It is also important to ensure that efficiency comparisons are on a like for like basis. for example some manufactures have mechanically driven pumps whereas other use electrically driven pumps to drive engine cooling water, and the electrical usage can sometimes be ignored giving a falsely high apparent efficiency compared to the direct drive engines. ===Combined heat and power=== {{Main|Cogeneration}} Engine reject heat can be used for building heating or heating a process. In an engine, roughly half the waste heat arises (from the engine jacket, oil cooler and after-cooler circuits) as hot water which can be at up to 110&nbsp;°C. The remainder arises as high-temperature heat which can generate pressurised hot water or steam by the use of an exhaust gas [[heat exchanger]]. ===Engine cooling=== Two most common engine types are an [[air-cooled engine]] or [[Water-cooled#Automotive usage|water cooled]] engine. Water cooled nowadays use [[antifreeze]] in the [[internal combustion engine]] Some engines (air or water) have an added [[Oil cooling|oil cooler.]] Cooling is required to remove excessive heat, over heating can cause engine failure, usually from wear, cracking or warping. ===Gas Consumption Calculation=== The formula shows the gas flow requirement of a gas engine in norm conditions at full load. <math> Q = \frac{P}{\eta} \cdot \frac{1}{LHV_{gas}} </math> where: * <math> Q </math> is the gas flow in norm conditions * <math> {P} </math> is the engine power * <math> {\eta} </math> is the mechanical efficiency * LHV is the Low Heating Value of the gas ==Gallery of Historic Gas Engines== <gallery caption="Historic Gas Engines" perrow="5"> File:National gas engine (Rankin Kennedy, Modern Engines, Vol II).jpg|1905 National company's ordinary gas engine of 36&nbsp;hp File:Körting gas engine (Rankin Kennedy, Electrical Installations, Vol III, 1903).jpg|1903 Körting gas engine File:Backus upright gas engine (New Catechism of the Steam Engine, 1904).jpg|Backus upright gas engine File:Otto horizontal gas engine (New Catechism of the Steam Engine, 1904).jpg|Otto horizontal gas engine File:Otto vertical gas engine (New Catechism of the Steam Engine, 1904).jpg|Otto vertical gas engine File:Westinghouse gas engine, section (Rankin Kennedy, Electrical Installations, Vol III, 1903).jpg|Westinghouse gas engine File:Crossley gas engine and dynamo (Rankin Kennedy, Electrical Installations, Vol III, 1903).jpg|Crossley gas engine and dynamo File:Premier twin gas engine electric generating plant (Rankin Kennedy, Modern Engines, Vol III).jpg|Premier twin gas engine electric generating plant File:125hp gas engine and dynamo (Rankin Kennedy, Electrical Installations, Vol III, 1903).jpg|125&nbsp;hp gas engine and dynamo File:Crossley engine.jpg|Crossley Brothers Ltd., 1886 No. 1 Engine, 4.5&nbsp;hp single cylinder, 4-stroke gas engine, 160 rpm. File:Crossley Gas Engine - Kelham Island Industrial Museum.jpg|1915 Crossley Gas Engine (type GE130 No75590), 150&nbsp;hp. File:Gas Engine in the Gas Museum - geograph.org.uk - 2120293.jpg|National Gas Engine File:Premier tandem scavenging high-power gas engine (Rankin Kennedy, Modern Engines, Vol II).jpg|Premier tandem scavenging high-power gas engine File:Blast furnace gas engine with blowing cylinder (Rankin Kennedy, Modern Engines, Vol II).jpg|Blast furnace gas engine with blowing cylinder File:Stockport gas engine and belt-driven dynamo (Rankin Kennedy, Electrical Installations, Vol III, 1903).jpg|Stockport gas engine and belt-driven dynamo </gallery> {{-}} ==See also== * [[Autogas]] * [[CHP Directive]] * [[Cogeneration]] * [[Gas turbine]] * [[History of the internal combustion engine]] * [[List of natural gas vehicles]] * [[Tables of European biogas utilisation]] * [[Anson Engine Museum]] ==References== {{Reflist|group=note|liststyle=lower-roman}} {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{Commons category|Gas engines}} * [http://www.simt.co.uk/collections/collections-2-4.html Crossley Gas Engine] * [http://engines.rustyiron.com Antique Stationary Engines] * [http://www.old-engine.com/ Old Engines] * [http://www.smokstak.com/articles/ Gas Engine Articles] * [http://www.gasenginemagazine.com Gas Engine Magazine] - An internal combustion historical magazine * {{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Gas Engine |volume=11 |pages=495–501 |first=Dugald |last=Clerk |authorlink=Dugald Clerk |short=1}} {{Fuel gas}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Gas Engine}} [[Category:Engines]] [[Category:Stationary engines]] [[Category:Internal combustion piston engines]]'