Study of the performance and emissions of a high-speed direct injection diesel engine operating on ethanol diesel fuel blends

Abstract

An experimental study is conducted to evaluate the effects of using various blends of ethanol with normal diesel fuel, in blend ratios of 5/95, 10/90 and 15/85, on the performance and exhaust emissions of a high-speed, direct injection (DI), Ricardo/Cussons 'Hydra' diesel engine. The tests are conducted using each of the above fuel blends or neat diesel fuel. Volumetric fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperature, exhaust smokiness and exhaust regulated gas emissions such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and total unburned hydrocarbons are measured. The differences in the performance and exhaust emission parameters from the baseline operation of the engine, that is, when working with neat diesel fuel, are determined and compared. Theoretical aspects of diesel engine combustion are used to aid the interpretation of the engine behaviour.