Coal-Fueled Diesel Engine Progress at GE Transportation Systems

A coal-fueled diesel engine holds the promise of a rugged, modular heat engine that uses cheap, abundant fuel. Economic studies have indicated attractive returns at moderate diesel fuel prices. The compositions of coal-water fuels are bein expanded to cover the major coal sources. Combustion has been developed at 1000 rpm with mechanical and electronic fuel injection. Dual fuel operation can run the engine over the load range. Erosion of fuel nozzles has been controlled with diamond compacts. Wear of piston rings and cylinder liners can be controlled with tungsten carbide coatings. Emission measurements show higher particulates and SO 2 and lower NO x , CO, and HC. Particulate and SO 2 control measures are being investigated