Technical Study of Modified Genset Using Natural Gas with Different Inlet Pressure

Abstract

Every year Indonesia experiences an increase in the number of electricity customers. However, there are still many areas that do not yet have electricity supply or have frequent disturbances. Therefore, we need a generator set as the main electricity supply or as a backup for these areas. Natural gas can be used as generator fuel because of its abundant availability and is more environmentally friendly. However, the availability of gasfueled generators in Indonesia is still very rare, so that additional equipment such as regulators, converter kits, and air mixing equipment for gas can be used on gasoline generators. Due to this background and its potential, testing is carried out to determine the performance of the modified generator set when using natural gas fuels. The method used is to compare engine performance by varying the value of the generator's input pressure, which is 0.5 and 0.03 bar. The results observed were the SFC value, power quality, exhaust gas temperature, and the noise level produced by the generator. The results of this test are that the voltage and frequency generated is still within the specified normal limits, the exhaust gas temperature and the noise level generated when the input pressure is 0.5 bar and 0.03 bar are relatively the same, and the SFC value generated when the input pressure is 0.5 bar is 5.7-25% smaller than the SFC value at 0.03 bar input pressure.