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29 pages, 9826 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Evaluation of Combustion Stability and Exhaust Emissions of a Stationary Compression Ignition Engine Powered by Diesel/n-Butanol and RME Biodiesel/n-Butanol Blends

by Wojciech Tutak, Arkadiusz Jamrozik and Karol Grab-Rogaliński

Energies 2023, 16(4), 1717; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16041717 - 09 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1273

Abstract

In recent years, the interest in renewable fuels has increased mainly due to regulations regulating the permissible limits of toxic components of exhaust gases emitted by reciprocating engines. This paper presents the results of a comparison of the effects of fueling a compression-ignition [...] Read more.

In recent years, the interest in renewable fuels has increased mainly due to regulations regulating the permissible limits of toxic components of exhaust gases emitted by reciprocating engines. This paper presents the results of a comparison of the effects of fueling a compression-ignition piston engine with a mixture of diesel fuel and n-butanol, as well as RME (Rapeseed Oil Methyl Esters) biodiesel and n-butanol. The tests were carried out for a constant load and a wide energetic share of fuels in the mixture. The main focus was on the assessment of combustion stability, the uniqueness of the combustion stages, and the assessment of the fuel type influence on the CA50 angle. The tests show that RME offers the possibility of efficient combustion with n-butanol with up to 80% energy share. The share of n-butanol has a positive effect on the engine’s efficiency and very effectively reduces soot emissions. Without the influence on COV_IMEP, the share of n-butanol up to 40% in the mixture with diesel fuel and up to 80% in the mixture with RME was recorded. Combustion of RME with n-butanol was more stable. The share of n-butanol in the mixture with diesel fuel caused an increase in NO_x emissions, and co-combustion with RME caused a decrease in emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Fuels on the Performance of Modern CI Engines and Environmental Pollution)

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17 pages, 5828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Chemical Compositions and Cetane Number of Fischer–Tropsch Fuels on Diesel Engine Performance

by Haoyu Yuan, Takuma Tsukuda, Yurui Yang, Gen Shibata, Yoshimitsu Kobashi and Hideyuki Ogawa

Energies 2022, 15(11), 4047; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15114047 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1657

Abstract

Fischer–Tropsch synthetic (FT) fuels are expected to be an ideal alternative for diesel fuel to achieve higher thermal efficiency and reduction in exhaust emissions because of their characteristics of being aromatic-free, sulfur-free, and high cetane number. In this study, the effects of chemical [...] Read more.

Fischer–Tropsch synthetic (FT) fuels are expected to be an ideal alternative for diesel fuel to achieve higher thermal efficiency and reduction in exhaust emissions because of their characteristics of being aromatic-free, sulfur-free, and high cetane number. In this study, the effects of chemical compositions and cetane number of FT fuels on diesel engine performance were investigated by using a commercial GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) diesel fuel synthesized by the FT method and blended paraffinic hydrocarbon fuels made to simulate FT fuels with different chemical compositions and cetane numbers. At first, a commercial diesel fuel (JIS No.2) and GTL were examined by varying the intake oxygen concentrations with cooled EGR. Compared with diesel fuel, GTL shows shorter premixed combustion, smaller heat release peak, and longer diffusion combustion duration at both high and medium conditions due to the higher cetane number. Further, by using the GTL, a limited improvement in thermal efficiency and exhaust emission reduction of NOx have been obtained, but no significant reduction in the smoke emissions is achieved, even though FT fuels have been considered smokeless due to their aromatic-free characteristics. Next, three types of paraffinic hydrocarbon fuels with cetane numbers of 78, 57, and 38 were blended as simulated FT fuels and were examined under the same experimental apparatus and operation conditions. For the low cetane number simulated FT fuel (cetane number 38 fuel), the results show that the ignition delay and premixing period are significantly longer at low intake oxygen concentration conditions, meaning that the premixing of low cetane number fuel is more sufficient than other fuels, especially under the high EGR rate conditions, resulting in fewer smoke emissions. Furthermore, with CN38 fuel, an excellent indicated thermal efficiency was obtained at the high load condition. To summarize the results, the low cetane number FT fuel shows a potential to achieve higher thermal efficiency and reduction in exhaust emissions on commercial diesel engines with EGR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Fuels on the Performance of Modern CI Engines and Environmental Pollution)

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15 pages, 49542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exhaust Emissions from a Hybrid City Bus Fuelled by Conventional and Oxygenated Fuel

by Miłosław Kozak, Piotr Lijewski and Marek Waligórski

Energies 2022, 15(3), 1123; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15031123 - 03 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1575

Abstract

City buses are one of the main means of public transport in cities. As they move in a limited and densely populated area and are intensively exploited, it is particularly important that they are environmentally friendly. There are many ways to reduce emissions [...] Read more.

City buses are one of the main means of public transport in cities. As they move in a limited and densely populated area and are intensively exploited, it is particularly important that they are environmentally friendly. There are many ways to reduce emissions from city buses, including the use of hybrid propulsion. Another way is to use low-emission fuels. This article presents the results of the emission tests of an 18 m articulated city bus with a serial hybrid drive fuelled comparatively by conventional diesel fuel and oxygenated fuel containing 10% v/v of triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME). The emission tests were carried out during the actual operation of the bus on a route in Poznań (Poland) and over the SORT cycles. The obtained test results were compared also with the results obtained for a conventional bus. The reduction in emissions of some exhaust components was found when the hybrid bus was fuelled with oxygenated fuel during its actual operation on the bus route. There was a reduction in CO emissions by ~50% and NO_x emissions by ~10%. Almost identical levels of PM and HC emissions and smoke opacity were observed for both fuels. In the SORT cycles, the differences in the emissions obtained for both types of fuel were small. In general, for the hybrid bus, a lower influence of oxygenated fuel on emissions was recorded than for the conventional bus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Fuels on the Performance of Modern CI Engines and Environmental Pollution)

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17 pages, 3707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Hydrogen-Containing Fuels and Environmentally Friendly Lubricating Coolant on Nitrogen Steels’ Wear Resistance for Spark Ignition Engine Pistons and Rings Kit Gasket Set

by Alexander Balitskii, Valerii Kolesnikov, Karol F. Abramek, Olexiy Balitskii, Jacek Eliasz, Havrylyuk Marya, Lyubomir Ivaskevych and Ielyzaveta Kolesnikova

Energies 2021, 14(22), 7583; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14227583 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2256

Abstract

In this study, modern nitrogen steels used for the manufacture of rings for Honda engines (70CC, 90CC, CRF70F, XL70, XR70, C70, CT70, ATC70, CL70) as well as other transport tribotechnical units was investigated. Due to the present ecological situation in the world, new [...] Read more.

In this study, modern nitrogen steels used for the manufacture of rings for Honda engines (70CC, 90CC, CRF70F, XL70, XR70, C70, CT70, ATC70, CL70) as well as other transport tribotechnical units was investigated. Due to the present ecological situation in the world, new environmentally friendly lubricating fluids for nitrogen steels’ tribotechnical units and surface treatments have been proposed. The results of tribotechnical tests are presented in the form of diagrams, graphs and step polynomials obtained by mathematically describing the changes in wear intensity when the load changes for different lubricating fluids. Friction pairs were compared with ShellHF-E 46 (synthetic lubricating fluid), ShellHF-R (biological origin) and lubricating and cooling liquids with 1%, 3% and 5% vegetable oil concentrations. In tribocoupling it was found that hydrogen diffuses into the metal because the tribodestruction of lubricating coolants plays an active role in the destruction of friction surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Fuels on the Performance of Modern CI Engines and Environmental Pollution)

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13 pages, 2276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wear Resistance of Spark Ignition Engine Piston Rings in Hydrogen-Containing Environments

by Myroslav Kindrachuk, Dmytro Volchenko, Alexander Balitskii, Karol F. Abramek, Mykola Volchenko, Olexiy Balitskii, Vasyl Skrypnyk, Dmytro Zhuravlev, Alina Yurchuk and Valerii Kolesnikov

Energies 2021, 14(16), 4801; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14164801 - 06 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2336

Abstract

We describe the external and internal hydrogen interaction on contacting surfaces in the “cylinder–piston rings” friction coupling. Under the influence of high temperatures and pressure, the oil in the combustion chamber at a temperature up to 1473 K decomposes and forms small amounts [...] Read more.

We describe the external and internal hydrogen interaction on contacting surfaces in the “cylinder–piston rings” friction coupling. Under the influence of high temperatures and pressure, the oil in the combustion chamber at a temperature up to 1473 K decomposes and forms small amounts of water. External hydrogen (H₂) is subsequently formed. Hydrogen removal from the piston rings reduces the heterogeneity of the structure, residual stresses, and uneven physical and chemical properties of the near-surface layers, which reduces the stress concentration and, as a consequence, results in an improvement in the performance characteristics of the surface layers of the friction couple “cylinder-piston rings” of the spark ignition engine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Fuels on the Performance of Modern CI Engines and Environmental Pollution)

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16 pages, 11946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of RME-1-Butanol Blends on Combustion, Performance and Emission of a Direct Injection Diesel Engine

by Wojciech Tutak, Arkadiusz Jamrozik and Karol Grab-Rogaliński

Energies 2021, 14(10), 2941; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14102941 - 19 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1789

Abstract

The main objective of this study was assessment of the performance, emissions and combustion characteristics of a diesel engine using RME–1-butanol blends. In assessing the combustion process, great importance was placed on evaluating the stability of this process. Not only were the typical [...] Read more.

The main objective of this study was assessment of the performance, emissions and combustion characteristics of a diesel engine using RME–1-butanol blends. In assessing the combustion process, great importance was placed on evaluating the stability of this process. Not only were the typical COV_IMEP indicators assessed, but also the non-burnability of the characteristic combustion stages: ignition delay, time of 50% heat release and the end of combustion. The evaluation of the combustion process based on the analysis of heat release. The tests carried out on a 1-cylinder diesel engine operating at a constant load. Research and evaluation of the combustion process of a mixture of RME and 1-butanol carried out for the entire range of shares of both fuels up to 90% of 1-butanol energetic fraction. The participation of butanol in combustion process with RME increased the in-cylinder peak pressure and the heat release rate. With the increase in the share of butanol there was noted a decrease in specific energy consumption and an increase in engine efficiency. The share of butanol improved the combustion stability. There was also an increase in NO_x emissions and decrease in CO and soot emissions. The engine can be power by blend up to 80% energy share of butanol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Fuels on the Performance of Modern CI Engines and Environmental Pollution)

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20 pages, 3368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combustion Stability, Performance and Emission Characteristics of a CI Engine Fueled with Diesel/n-Butanol Blends

by Arkadiusz Jamrozik, Wojciech Tutak and Karol Grab-Rogaliński

Energies 2021, 14(10), 2817; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14102817 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2771

Abstract

The development of compression ignition engines depends mainly on using alternative fuels, such as alcohols. The paper presents the results of tests of a stationary compression ignition engine fueled with mixtures of diesel oil and n-butanol with an energy share from 0 to [...] Read more.

The development of compression ignition engines depends mainly on using alternative fuels, such as alcohols. The paper presents the results of tests of a stationary compression ignition engine fueled with mixtures of diesel oil and n-butanol with an energy share from 0 to 60%. The combustion and emission results of a dual-fuel engine were compared to a conventional diesel-only engine. As part of the work, the combustion process, including changes in pressure and heat release rate, as well as exhaust emissions from the test engine, were investigated. The main operational parameters of the engine were determined, including mean indicated pressure, thermal efficiency and specific energy consumption. Moreover, the stability of the engine operation was analyzed. The research shows that the 60% addition of n-butanol to diesel fuel increases the ignition delay (by 39%) and shortens the combustion duration (by 57%). In addition, up to 40%, it results in increased p_max, HRR_max and PPR_max. The engine was characterized by the highest efficiency, equal to 41.35% when operating on DB40. In the whole range of alcohol content, the dual-fuel engine was stable. With the increase of n-butanol content to 40%, the emission of NO_x increased. The lowest concentration of CO was obtained during the combustion of DB50. After the initial increase (for DB20), the THC emission was reduced to the lowest value for DB40. Increasing the energy share of alcohol to 60% resulted in a significant, more than 43 times, reduction in soot emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Fuels on the Performance of Modern CI Engines and Environmental Pollution)

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Review

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20 pages, 26701 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hydrogen Containing Nanofluids in the Spark Engine’s Cylinder Head Cooling System

by Alexander Balitskii, Myroslav Kindrachuk, Dmytro Volchenko, Karol F. Abramek, Olexiy Balitskii, Vasyl Skrypnyk, Dmytro Zhuravlev, Iryna Bekish, Mykola Ostashuk and Valerii Kolesnikov

Energies 2022, 15(1), 59; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15010059 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3125

Abstract

The article is devoted to the following issues: boiling of fluid in the cooling jacket of the engine cylinder head; agents that influenced the thermal conductivity coefficient of nanofluids; behavior of nanoparticles and devices with nanoparticles in the engine’s cylinder head cooling system. [...] Read more.

The article is devoted to the following issues: boiling of fluid in the cooling jacket of the engine cylinder head; agents that influenced the thermal conductivity coefficient of nanofluids; behavior of nanoparticles and devices with nanoparticles in the engine’s cylinder head cooling system. The permissible temperature level of internal combustion engines is ensured by intensification of heat transfer in cooling systems due to the change of coolants with “light” and “heavy” nanoparticles. It was established that the introduction of “light” nanoparticles of aluminum oxide

A l_{2} O_{3}

A l_{2} O_{3}

into the water in a mass concentration of 0.75% led to an increase in its thermal conductivity coefficient by 60% compared to the base fluid at a coolant temperature of 90 °C, which corresponds to the operating temperature of the engine cooling systems. At the indicated temperature, the base fluid has a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.545

\frac{W}{(m^{2} \times ° C)}

W/(m °C), for nanofluid with

A l_{2} O_{3}

particles its value was 0.872

\frac{W}{(m^{2} \times ° C)}

. At the same time, a positive change in the parameters of the nanofluid in the engine cooling system was noted: the average movement speed increased from 0.2 to 2.0 m/s; the average temperature is in the range of 60–90 °C; heat flux density 2 × 10²–2 × 10⁶

\frac{W}{m^{2}}

; heat transfer coefficient 150–1000

\frac{W}{(m^{2} \times ° C)}

. Growth of the thermal conductivity coefficient of the cooling nanofluid was achieved. This increase is determined by the change in the mass concentration of aluminum oxide nanoparticles in the base fluid. This will make it possible to create coolants with such thermophysical characteristics that are required to ensure intensive heat transfer in cooling systems of engines with various capacities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Fuels on the Performance of Modern CI Engines and Environmental Pollution)

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