1. Introduction to Advanced Combustion Technologies: The Role of Natural Gas in Future Transportation and Power Generation Systems

Among the many alternatives to gasoline and diesel, natural gas is considered a viable fuel for future transportation and power generation applications. The present chapter provides an introductory overview of the role of natural gas in future transportation and power generation systems. Current and projected trends (up to 2040) for global energy consumption and the associated contribution of natural gas in various sectors (industrial, transportation, residential, etc.) are discussed. The advantages and challenges of natural gas as a combustion fuel, natural gas fuel storage and transportation challenges (as compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas), and natural gas utilization in internal combustion (IC) engines are reviewed. Advanced natural gas low-temperature combustion (LTC) strategies for IC engines, natural gas combustion in spark ignition (SI) engines with a specific focus on direct injection of natural gas, natural gas utilization in marine SI and compression ignition (CI) engines, natural gas utilization in light-duty, heavy-duty, industrial, and marine engines, emissions control technologies for natural gas-fueled engines, and a review of natural gas-powered residential scale micro-combined heating and power (CHP) systems are the major topics explored in the book. The organizational rationale of the book is discussed, and brief summaries of various chapters in the book are provided.