gasmotor

A gasmotor, or gas motor, is an internal combustion engine designed to run on gaseous fuels such as natural gas, biogas, coal gas, or liquefied petroleum gas. The combustion of the air–fuel mixture is initiated by a spark or, in some cases, by a pilot flame or other ignition method. Gas motors are commonly built as spark-ignition engines, but dual-fuel configurations exist that use a gas main charge with a diesel or other pilot for ignition.

Historically, the development of gas engines began in the 19th century, with early commercial models appearing in the 1860s. These engines enabled stationary power generation and later contributed to portable and marine applications. Over time, improvements in engine design, fuel delivery, and ignition systems increased efficiency and reliability. Modern gas engines are widely used for distributed electricity generation, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, and various industrial drives, complementing or replacing steam and turbine-based systems in many settings.

Principles and types: most gas engines operate on four-stroke or two-stroke cycles. They are typically designed for spark-ignition operation with premixed air and fuel, though some engines use a dual-fuel approach (gas with a diesel pilot) to allow flexible fuel use. Large, high-efficiency units may run on natural gas and employ advanced control systems, turbocharging, and exhaust aftertreatment to meet emission standards.

Efficiency, emissions, and fuel choices: thermal efficiency for small to medium stationary gas engines generally ranges from about 30% to 40%, with larger, modern engines achieving higher values, particularly when coupled to waste-heat recovery. Emissions include CO2, NOx, and unburned hydrocarbons; methane leakage from the fuel supply is an additional environmental concern. Gas engines offer fuel flexibility and lower particulate emissions compared with some liquid-fueled counterparts but require proper handling of combustible gases and ventilation to ensure safety.