Gázmotors

A gázmotor, or gas engine, is an internal combustion engine that runs on gaseous fuel. These engines are similar in design and operation to gasoline engines but are optimized for fuels like natural gas, propane, biogas, or landfill gas. The primary difference lies in the fuel system and ignition timing, which are adapted to the specific properties of the gaseous fuel.

Gázmotors can be spark-ignited (SI) or compression-ignited (CI), though spark-ignited versions are far more common for gaseous fuels. In a typical SI gázmotor, a mixture of fuel gas and air is drawn into a cylinder, compressed by a piston, and then ignited by a spark plug. This combustion process creates expanding gases that push the piston, generating mechanical power.

The applications for gázmotors are diverse. They are widely used in stationary power generation, including combined heat and power (CHP) systems where waste heat from the engine is captured for heating purposes. They are also employed in vehicles, particularly in fleets that can access natural gas refueling infrastructure, such as buses and some commercial trucks. Biogas engines are a significant subtype, utilizing methane produced from anaerobic digestion of organic waste, making them a renewable energy source.

Advantages of gázmotors include their ability to use a variety of fuels, including locally sourced and renewable ones. They generally produce lower emissions of particulate matter and sulfur oxides compared to diesel engines. However, they can produce higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), requiring emission control systems. The fuel storage and infrastructure requirements can also be a consideration for mobile applications.