Catalyst-Dependent Performance and Emission Trade-Offs in a Passive Hydrocarbon Cracking System for Gasoline Engines

Aji Bagus Ardiyanto; Sena Mahendra; Bayu Ariwibowo; Fahmy Zuhda Bahtiar; Fahmy Fatra

Authors

Aji Bagus Ardiyanto Universitas Ivet
Sena Mahendra
Bayu Ariwibowo
Fahmy Zuhda Bahtiar
Fahmy Fatra

Keywords:

Catalytic cracking, Combustion enhancement, Exhaust emissions, Gasoline engine performance

Abstract

Improving combustion efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions remain significant challenges for gasoline engines, particularly in developing countries experiencing rapid vehicle growth. This study investigated the effect of passive Hydrocarbon Cracking Systems (HCS) using various catalyst materials (steel, activated carbon, natural zeolite, and nickelin) on engine performance and exhaust emission characteristics without engine modification. Experiments were conducted on a 110cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected gasoline engine using commercially available RON 92 fuel. Engine performance was evaluated using a dynamometer to measure torque and power, while exhaust emissions (CO, HC, and CO₂) were analyzed using a calibrated gas analyzer at various engine speeds. The results indicate a clear trade-off between performance improvement and emission control depending on the catalyst material used in the HCS. . The zeolite-based catalyst provided the most significant performance improvements, increasing maximum torque by 5.61% and maximum power by 1.91%, while reducing HC by 9.48%, CO by 10%, and increase CO₂by 1.4% . In contrast, the nickelin catalyst demonstrated superior emission control, achieving a 24.57% reduction in HC, 10.1% in CO and increase CO₂ 4.17%, although the associated power gains were lower than those obtained with zeolite. However, most of the studies that have been conducted only focus solely on the effects on performance and exhaust emissions, without providing insight into the catalyst materials used for fuel cracking. To address this gap, this study aims to empirically provide insight into which media are best used as catalysts in HCS systems.

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