CFD Contextual Modelling of Biogas Combustion in Internal Combustion Engine: A Review

The perpetual use of petroleum products as fossil fuel nowadays is the primary cause of many economical, ecological and environmental problems. The exhaust emissions from fossil-fuelled engines world over are a major cause of hazardous emissions such as NOx (oxides of nitrogen), CO (Carbon monoxide), HC (Hydro Carbons) and PM (Particulate Matter). Furthermore high temperature combustion in fossil-fuelled IC engines has been identified as the major contributor of greenhouse gases characterised by high pollution emissions. Hence this review paper focuses on findings from contemporary renewable energy researchers based on attempting to substitute fossil-fuelled IC engines with biogas fuelled ones. Recent studies have been focusing on combustion modelling and technology that would lead to the improvement in biogas combustion efficiency. Confirmation from literature indicates that biogas usage as an engine fuel has the greatest potential of substituting the environmental unfriendly fuel derived from petroleum products due to its very low CO2 emissions. CFD simulations based on biogas combustion have further proved that high energetic contents of biogas similar to that of natural gas can be combusted for the generation of mechanical energy. The SA automotive industry is growing fast but still based on fossil-fuelled IC engines. Hence, the findings from literature suggest the need to develop CFD modelling of biogas combustion in internal combustion engine in the context of SA automotive industry