Performance parameters study of bi-fuel vehicle using chassis dynamometer tests

Concerns regarding global climate change have caused the transportation sector to look for alternatives to petroleum as a fuel for vehicles of all types. Bi-fuel vehicles have been recognized as being particularly efficient for urban traffic use. As these vehicles become more popular, there is a need for accurate vehicle performance test methods. Clearly the most accurate vehicle performance measurements would be obtained by using single axis dynamometers. In this paper, a research work was intended to study the performance characteristics of a bi-fuel vehicle, i.e. gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG). Single axis dynamometers are commonly used for evaluating vehicle performance. The performance test procedure was carried out on a newly registered gasoline/CNG bi-fuel vehicle in Egypt market (Hyundai-star) and is now assessed from the European standard driving cycle. The European driving cycle shows the characteristics of vehicles operating conditions for various speeds and acceleration ranges, but does not represent realistic speed-time history of a vehicle in actual traffic. As the driving conditions are different, the assessment results using this driving cycle may not produce realistic results. The fuel injection system used is Multi-point (MP)-sequential injection. From the experimental results, it is seen that significant information can be for the bi-vehicle technology, consequently better design can be obtained.