Exhaust emissions of diesel engines operating under transient conditions with biodiesel fuel blends

The transient operation of turbocharged diesel engines can prove quite demanding in terms of engine response, systems reliability and exhaust emissions. It is a daily encountered situation that drastically differentiates the engine operation from the respective steady-state conditions, requiring careful and detailed study and experimentation. On the other hand, depleting reserves and growing prices of crude oil, as well as gradually stricter emission regulations and greenhouse gas concerns have led to an ever-increasing effort to develop alternative fuel sources, with particular emphasis on biofuels that possess the added benefit of being renewable. In this regard, and particularly for the transport sector, biodiesel has emerged as a very promising solution.     

Effects of 30% v/v biodiesel/diesel fuel blend on regulated and unregulated pollutant emissions from diesel engines

Two Euro 3 commercial trucks fuelled with a 30% v/v biodiesel/diesel fuel blend (B30) and pure diesel fuel were tested in laboratory under the standard driving conditions (UDC and EUDC driving cycles) and the CADC “URBAN” test cycle, in order to evaluate the fuel consumption, regulated (CO, HC, NO_x, PM) and unregulated emissions (aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).     

Simulation of HCCI combustion in air-cooled off-road engines fuelled with diesel and biodiesel

The present work describes the elaboration of a predictive tool consisting on a phenomenological multi-zone model, applicable to the simulation of HCCI combustion of both diesel and biodiesel fuels. The mentioned predictive tool is created with the aim to be applied in the future to perform engine characterization during both pre-design and post-design stages. The methodology applied to obtain the proposed predictive model is based on the generation of an analytical mechanism that, given a set of regression variables representing the engine operative conditions, provides the user with the optimal figures for the scaling coefficients needed to particularize both the ignition delay and the heat release rate functional laws, which rule the combustion development in the proposed multi-zone model for HCCI engines. The validation of the proposed predictive multi-zone model consists on the comparison between chamber pressure curve derived from the simulations and experimental data based on a DEUTZ FL1 906 unit modified in order to allow HCCI combustion operation mode using diesel EN590 and rapeseed biodiesel. Finally, evidences of the capabilities of the proposed model to be used as a predictive tool applicable to the analysis of off-road engines under HCCI conditions are provided, consisting in the characterization and optimization of the operational maps related to both Brake Specific Fuel Consumption and NOx emissions.     

Increasing the efficiency of a diesel engine running on biodiesel through butanol fumigation

A single-cylinder, direct-injection diesel engine was tested with regular diesel oil, neat Jatropha biodiesel, and biodiesel with butanol injection into the inlet manifold. An engine fueled with neat biodiesel showed 5% reduction of the fuel conversion efficiency and 17% increase in specific fuel consumption relative to diesel oil. With butanol injection at a rate of 25% of the total fuel consumption, the efficiency was equivalent to that of diesel oil and specific fuel consumption was less than that of neat biodiesel. Engine emissions with biofuel were improved except for carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. It was concluded that the diesel engine can operate on the neat biofuel (biodiesel plus alcohol) with the fuel conversion efficiency equivalent to that of the diesel oil.     

船用低速柴油机电控喷油器的动态响应特性研究

基于AMESim液力仿真平台搭建了船用低速柴油机双阀电控喷油器的数值模型,循环喷油量的计算值与实测值的最大误差仅为3.38%,且喷油压力、增压活塞位移关键时序指标的试验数据与计算数据的最大相对误差不足1%,证明了该模型的准确性。为了分析喷油器的动态响应特性,定义了开启响应时间和关闭响应时间,探究了结构参数对喷油器响应特性的影响规律,并通过帕累托分析确定了各因素对喷油器响应特性的影响权重。结果表明:喷油器开启响应时间与增压活塞小头直径、针阀最大升程、针阀弹簧预紧力、控制腔直径呈正相关,与增压活塞大头直径呈负相关,各因素对喷油器开启响应时间的影响权重分别为8.59%、15.74%、4.97%、10.88%、9.48%。喷油器关闭响应时间与增压活塞大头直径、针阀最大升程呈正相关,其影响权重分别为7.86%、27.33%,与增压活塞小头直径、针阀弹簧预紧力、控制腔直径呈负相关,其影响权重分别为6.22%、7.29%、7.36%。对于喷油器开启响应时间,增压活塞小头直径与增压活塞大头直径、增压活塞大头直径与针阀最大升程、增压活塞小头直径与针阀最大升程、增压活塞大头直径与针阀弹簧预紧力及增压活塞小...     

A renewable pathway towards increased utilization of hydrogen in diesel engines

In the present work, dual fuel operation of a diesel engine has been experimentally investigated using biodiesel and hydrogen as the test fuels. Jatropha Curcas biodiesel is used as the pilot fuel, which is directly injected in the combustion chamber using conventional diesel injector. The main fuel (hydrogen) is injected in the intake manifold using a hydrogen injector and electronic control unit. In dual fuel mode, engine operations are studied at varying engine loads at the maximum pilot fuel substitution conditions. The engine performance parameters such as maximum pilot fuel substitution, brake thermal efficiency and brake specific energy consumption are investigated. On emission side, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and smoke emissions are analysed. Based on the results, it is found that biodiesel-hydrogen dual fuel engine could utilize up to 80.7% and 24.5% hydrogen (by energy share) at low and high loads respectively along with improved brake thermal efficiency. Furthermore, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and smoke emissions are significantly reduced compared to single fuel diesel engine operation. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) has also been studied with biodiesel-hydrogen dual fuel engine operations. It is found that EGR could improve the utilization of hydrogen in dual fuel engine, especially at the high loads. The effect of EGR is also found to reduce high nitrogen oxide emissions from the dual fuel engine and brake thermal efficiency is not significantly affected.     

Combined effect of multi-injection scheme,injector nozzle bore,and biodiesel blends on combustion and performance characteristics of diesel engine

Many researchers have conducted extensive experimental and numerical studies to explore the influences of multiple types of fuels. The high demand of energy in the world has led to the growing crisis and depletion of fossil fuels. Therefore, the researchers have focused on investigating renewable energy sources like biodiesel with the aim of suggesting, which energy is more friendly to the environment. Biodiesel has specifications for using it as an alternative fuel to traditional fossil fuels. Whereas, the use of biodiesel fuel in the original design of Diesel engine can emit a higher percentage of nitrogen oxides (NO_x). Therefore, to reduce the harmful emissions of the fuel, the injection schemes and injector nozzle bore (INB) of the engine were modified. The present research combines the effect of the nozzle hole diameters and split injection scheme on the performance and combustion parameters of compression ignition (CI) engine was investigated. The engine was fueled with diesel blended of different proportions (Sp20, Sp40, Sp60, and Sp100) of spirulina biodiesel to prove the suitability of this blend as an alternative fuel. The injector nozzle has three injection holes, and the diameter of the three modified holes of the nozzle is changing (from 0.20 to 0.28 mm, step 0.02 mm) along with two types of scheme injection (double and triple). Furthermore, the influence of the direct injection Diesel-RK model, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine; constant compression ratio (17.5:1), engine speed (1500 rpm), and naturally aspired engine at full load condition are studied. A comparison of the present simulation is compared with published results to validate the present simulation model for conventional baseline Diesel for validation. The simulation was done to investigate and present a comparative study with the conventional baseline Diesel engine. The double injection scheme shows a decrease by 1.8%, 1.7%, and 1.9% for parameters of peak cylinder pressure (PCP), peak cylinder temperature (PCT), and maximum rate of pressure rise, respectively. Whereas, the specific fuel consumption (SFC) and break thermal efficiency are increased by 8.7% and 9.33%, respectively. The results showed a reduction by 2.1%, 20.5%, 22.1%, and 3.2% in PCP, PCT, maximum rate of pressure rise, and break thermal efficiency, respectively. Moreover, the SFC is increased by 3.1% with the modified INB 0.28 (mm).     

Effect of biodiesel fuels on diesel engine emissions

The call for the use of biofuels which is being made by most governments following international energy policies is presently finding some resistance from car and components manufacturing companies, private users and local administrations. This opposition makes it more difficult to reach the targets of increased shares of use of biofuels in internal combustion engines. One of the reasons for this resistance is a certain lack of knowledge about the effect of biofuels on engine emissions. This paper collects and analyzes the body of work written mainly in scientific journals about diesel engine emissions when using biodiesel fuels as opposed to conventional diesel fuels. Since the basis for comparison is to maintain engine performance, the first section is dedicated to the effect of biodiesel fuel on engine power, fuel consumption and thermal efficiency. The highest consensus lies in an increase in fuel consumption in approximate proportion to the loss of heating value. In the subsequent sections, the engine emissions from biodiesel and diesel fuels are compared, paying special attention to the most concerning emissions: nitric oxides and particulate matter, the latter not only in mass and composition but also in size distributions. In this case the highest consensus was found in the sharp reduction in particulate emissions.     

Influence of fuel properties and composition on NOx emissions from biodiesel powered diesel engines: A review

Biodiesel has proved to be an environment friendly alternative fuel for diesel engine because it can alleviate regulated and unregulated exhaust emissions. However, most researchers have observed a significant increase in NO_x emissions with biodiesel when compared to petrodiesel. The exact cause of this increase is still unclear; however, researchers believe that the fuel properties have been shown to effect the emissions of NO_x. The present work reviews the effect of fuel properties and composition on NO_x emissions from biodiesel fuelled engines. The paper is organised in three sections. The first section deals with the NO_x formation mechanisms. In the following section, the reasons for increased NO_x emissions of biodiesel fuel are discussed. After this, the influence of composition and fuel properties on NO_x emissions from biodiesel fuelled engines has been reviewed. Finally, some general conclusions concerning this problem are summarised and further researches are pointed out.     

A cycle simulation model for predicting the performance of a diesel engine fuelled by diesel and biodiesel blends

Among the alternative fuels, biodiesel and its blends are considered suitable and the most promising fuel for diesel engine. The properties of biodiesel are found similar to that of diesel. Many researchers have experimentally evaluated the performance characteristics of conventional diesel engines fuelled by biodiesel and its blends. However, experiments require enormous effort, money and time. Hence, a cycle simulation model incorporating a thermodynamic based single zone combustion model is developed to predict the performance of diesel engine. The effect of engine speed and compression ratio on brake power and brake thermal efficiency is analysed through the model. The fuel considered for the analysis are diesel, 20%, 40%, 60% blending of diesel and biodiesel derived from Karanja oil (Pongamia Glabra). The model predicts similar performance with diesel, 20% and 40% blending. However, with 60% blending, it reveals better performance in terms of brake power and brake thermal efficiency.     

A review on biodiesel production using catalyzed transesterification

Biodiesel is a low-emissions diesel substitute fuel made from renewable resources and waste lipid. The most common way to produce biodiesel is through transesterification, especially alkali-catalyzed transesterification. When the raw materials (oils or fats) have a high percentage of free fatty acids or water, the alkali catalyst will react with the free fatty acids to form soaps. The water can hydrolyze the triglycerides into diglycerides and form more free fatty acids. Both of the above reactions are undesirable and reduce the yield of the biodiesel product. In this situation, the acidic materials should be pre-treated to inhibit the saponification reaction. This paper reviews the different approaches of reducing free fatty acids in the raw oil and refinement of crude biodiesel that are adopted in the industry. The main factors affecting the yield of biodiesel, i.e. alcohol quantity, reaction time, reaction temperature and catalyst concentration, are discussed. This paper also described other new processes of biodiesel production. For instance, the Biox co-solvent process converts triglycerides to esters through the selection of inert co-solvents that generates a one-phase oil-rich system. The non-catalytic supercritical methanol process is advantageous in terms of shorter reaction time and lesser purification steps but requires high temperature and pressure. For the in situ biodiesel process, the oilseeds are treated directly with methanol in which the catalyst has been preciously dissolved at ambient temperatures and pressure to perform the transesterification of oils in the oilseeds. This process, however, cannot handle waste cooking oils and animal fats.     

A comparative study of combustion performance and emission of biodiesel blends and diesel in an experimental boiler

Recently, biodiesel has become more attractive since it is made from renewable resources and also for the fact that the resources of fossil fuels are diminishing day by day. This study compares combustion of B5, B10, B20, B50, B80 and B100 with petroleum diesel over wide input air flows at two energy levels in an experimental boiler. The comparison is made in terms of combustion efficiency and flue gas emissions (CO, CO₂, NO_X, and SO₂) and influence of air flow at two energy levels 219 kJ/h and 249 kJ/h is studied. The findings show that at higher level energy diesel efficiency was a little higher than that of biodiesel, but at lower level biodiesels are efficient than diesel. Except B10, Biodiesel and other blends emitted less pollutant CO, SO₂ and CO₂ than diesel. B10 emitted lower CO₂ and NO_X, but emitted higher SO₂ than diesel. Despite studies reporting an increase in the NO_X level resulting from burning of biodiesel over conventional petroleum diesel fuels in engines, our findings indicated at the second energy level a reduction in the NO_X level in the flue gases resulting from burning of biodiesel.     

Sustainability issues for promotion of Jatropha biodiesel in Indian scenario: A review

Jatropha, a non-edible oil seed yielding plant has been identified by the Government of India to produce biodiesel under National Biodiesel Mission. Failure of National Biodiesel Mission Phase-I requires critical analysis of all the possible facts related to its long-term sustainability. Present work identifies important sustainability issues related to promotion of Jatropha biodiesel in India. These sustainability issues have been regrouped in four major categories: technological, environmental, economic and social. This paper attempts to explore various sustainability issues taking into account the recent Indian experiences with possible government support/initiatives for successful adoption of Jatropha biodiesel in Indian scenario.     

The role of viscosity in the fluorescence behavior of the diesel/biodiesel blends

Recently, the potentiality of fluorescence spectroscopy to be used in the quantification of biodiesel content in diesel/biodiesel blends (DBB) was demonstrated. However, the source of the fluorescence dependence of the DBB with biodiesel concentration remains unanswered. In the present paper, a close analysis of the optical properties of the DBB was performed over a wide composition range. The findings suggest that the alterations in the fluorescence intensity can be accounted for only after taking into account changes in viscosity as well as absorbance, in a model where the fluorophores were considered as molecular rotors.     

Performance and emission study on the effect of oxygenated additive in neat biodiesel fueled diesel engine

This work presents the effect of the Di-tetra-butyl-peroxide (DTBP) as an oxygenated additive on neat used mustard oil biodiesel (B100) to evaluate the emission and performance engine characteristics. Four fuels, namely, diesel, biodiesel (Mustard biodiesel), a blend of B100-10percentage, and 20% by volume of DTBP (BD90DTBP10 and BD80DTBP20) are prepared and tested on a single cylinder, constant speed diesel engine. Experimental outcomes revealed that 20% of DTBP reduces 7.3% CO, 5.1% HC, and 4.6% NOx and 3.2% smoke emissions of B100. From this study, further, it is inferred that BD80DTBP20 blend could be utilized as an alternative fuel for a CI engine with no modifications in engine design.     

Study on the viscosity of jojoba oil blends with biodiesel or petroleum diesel

In this study, generalized equations for predicting temperature-dependent viscosities of jojoba oil/biodiesel (JO-BD) and jojoba oil/diesel blends are given and a Buddenbrerg–Wilke mixing equation for predicting the viscosities of the blends is used. For JO-BD blends, the maximum overall absolute average deviation obtained using the proposed models is 1.85% and it is comparable with that obtained using Tat and Van Gerpen (1.96%) model and at the same time lower than those obtained using Walther model (4.61%) and Wang–Briggs model (4.68%). The results obtained using Buddenbrerg–Wilke mixing equation are in agreement with those obtained using Arrhenius and Cragoe mixing models.     

Assessment of tree seed oil biodiesel: A comparative review based on biodiesel of a locally available tree seed

The present investigation is undertaken to investigate prospect of seeds of a locally available tree (koroch) for biodiesel production. The middle-size, evergreen koroch tree with spreading branches are available in Assam. The characteristics of koroch biodiesel and engine performance fueled by koroch biodiesel are also analyzed reviewing similar results available in the literature so as to ascertain its status. Twelve number of different tree seed oils, reported earlier, are considered for making the present comparative assessment. Though transesterification has been the common process for converting tree seed oil into biodiesel, as evidenced from the literature consulted in this study, but there have been variations of the chemical processes. Variations of the transesterification are attributed to (i) types of catalysis viz., acid (H₂SO₄) or base (KOH, NaOH, and NaOCH₃), (ii) reaction temperature, (iii) molar ratio, (iv) nature of reaction viz., single stage or multi-stage. The outputs of the reaction have also been found varying in terms of yield as well as quality. Quality of biodiesel, however, was found to influence by the nature of feedstock. The assessment of quality parameters was made either by ASTM D 6751 or EN 14214 standards. The major fuel properties such as calorific value, kinematic viscosity, cetane number and cloud point of the reference biodiesel (koroch biodiesel) are compared with the properties of five biodiesel obtained from non-edible tree seed (karanja, mahua, polonga, jatropha and rubber seed) and then ranked them in order of desirable property. No single biodiesel type could be found at top rank with reference to more than one property. With regards to viscosity, except rubber seed biodiesel, all other biodiesels (karanja, mahua, polonga, jatropha and koroch) fulfilled the ASTM D 6751 (1.9-6 cSt) as well as EN14214 (3.5-5) standards. Koroch biodiesel ranks 3rd, 3rd and 6th in case of kinematic viscosity, cetane number and calorific value amongst the biodiesel types considered for the present study. Cloud point of koroch, polanga, mahua, rubber, karanja and jatropha biodiesels are 4, 13.2, 5, 4, 12 and 4 °C. Further, properties of biodiesel were found to have influencing correlation with the fatty acid characteristics of the feedstock. Therefore, biodiesel with desirable properties could be expected form optimum mixing of different feedstock.Eleven number of different engine performance results pertaining to uses of biodiesel are also reviewed in this paper. Varying test conditions with reference to fuel types and blends, engine size and loading pattern are discussed. Engine performance results of koroch biodiesel were then compared with five similar tree-based biodiesel. It is observed that tree seed oil with more unsaturated fatty acids exhibits lower thermal efficiency compared to biodiesel having more saturated acids.     

Some Studies on use of ternary blends of diesel,biodiesel and n-octanol

Diesel is extensively used in India, however, also contribute to pollution. In this study, important physico-chemical properties of different ternary blends of diesel, waste cooking oil (WCO) biodiesel and n-octanol, are evaluated. Diesel and D80+WCB20+nO20 blend have almost similar density, calorific value, cetane index and CFPP. However, blends have higher kinematic viscosity and flash point as compared to diesel. GC-MS test shows the presence of 51.3% saturated and 44.24% unsaturated fatty acids. FTIR analysis shows a strong peak of carbonyl band at 1741 cm^?1 which indicates the presence of biodiesel. Ternary blends are found to be a promising alternative to petroleum diesel.     

Comparative characteristics of compression ignited engines operating on biodiesel produced from waste vegetable oil

Performance and emission characteristics of two compression ignited engines of different compression ratios, number of cylinders, cooling system, and power output are studied. Waste vegetable oil-derived biofuel is used. Engines are fueled with B0, B20 and B100 mixtures. Thermal efficiency, brake specific consumption and engine emissions (CO, Unburned HC, O₂ and NO) are reported and comparisons are made for fuel mixtures running on both engines. Trends of emissions and performance curves are compared to the literature of the available data. It is noted that the biofuel certainly affects unburned HC emissions regardless of engine specifications and/or operating conditions. However, the type of fuel or adding biofuel to diesel may not affect parameters such as exhaust gas temperature and emissions (CO, Unburned HC, O₂, NO). These parameters may change as functions of engine specifications and operating conditions regardless of biofuel or diesel being used. These findings are supported by separate investigations using different biofuels in literature.     

Comprehensive study of biodiesel fuel for HSDI engines in conventional and low temperature combustion conditions

In this research, an experimental investigation has been performed to give insight into the potential of biodiesel as an alternative fuel for High Speed Direct Injection (HSDI) diesel engines. The scope of this work has been broadened by comparing the combustion characteristics of diesel and biodiesel fuels in a wide range of engine loads and EGR conditions, including the high EGR rates expected for future diesel engines operating in the low temperature combustion (LTC) regime.The experimental work has been carried out in a single-cylinder engine running alternatively with diesel and biodiesel fuels. Conventional diesel fuel and neat biodiesel have been compared in terms of their combustion performance through a new methodology designed for isolating the actual effects of each fuel on diesel combustion, aside from their intrinsic differences in chemical composition.The analysis of the results has been sequentially divided into two progressive and complementary steps. Initially, the overall combustion performance of each fuel has been critically evaluated based on a set of parameters used as tracers of the combustion quality, such as the combustion duration or the indicated efficiency. With the knowledge obtained from this previous overview, the analysis focuses on the detailed influence of biodiesel on the different diesel combustion stages known ignition delay, premixed combustion and mixing controlled combustion, considering also the impact on CO and UHC pollutant emissions.The results of this research explain why the biodiesel fuel accelerates the diesel combustion process in all engine loads and EGR rates, even in those corresponding with LTC conditions, increasing its possibilities as alternative fuel for future DI diesel engines.