Fuel injector deposits in direct-injection spark-ignition engines

Controlling fuel injector deposits is recognized as a challenge for advanced direct-injection spark-ignition (DISI) engines. This paper gives a comprehensive overview of the research on formation, measurement, effect, and mitigation of injector deposits in DISI engines. Methodologies for the injector deposit studies include visual and compositional analysis. It is shown that injector deposits will reduce injector fuel flow rates, and lead to changes in spray characteristics. Consequently, spray angle and envelope are likely to be affected, and spray penetration distance as well as droplet diameter can be increased. Injector deposits are revealed to be primarily fuel-derived and created by two distinct free radical pathways, i.e., low temperature auto-oxidation and high temperature pyrolysis. Fuel compositions (olefins, aromatics, and sulphur), as well as T90 parameter, are significant factors in injector deposit formation. The worst consequences of injector fouling are pre-ignition, and engine misfiring and malfunction. Emissions, especially particulates, dramatically increase as the fuel injector becomes fouled. It appears that fuel detergent is the most effective method in controlling injector deposit formation if its chemistry and dosage rate are optimized. Outward opening piezo-driven injector configuration with a good surface finish, a sharp nozzle inlet, and a counter bore design, is useful in preventing injector deposit formation. Reducing injector nozzle temperature by methods such as designing special injector cooling passages, and improving engine design are also proven to be helpful in reducing injector fouling. Anti-deposit coatings only delay the onset of injector deposit formation.     

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.     

Performance characteristics of a low heat rejection diesel engine operating with biodiesel

Vegetable oils are a promising alternative among the different diesel fuel alternatives. However, the high viscosity, poor volatility and cold flow characteristics of vegetable oils can cause some problems such as injector coking, severe engine deposits, filter gumming, piston ring sticking and thickening of lubrication oil from long-term use in diesel engines. These problems can be eliminated or minimized by transesterification of the vegetable oils to form monoesters. These monoesters are known as biodiesel. The important advantages of biodiesel are lower exhaust gas emissions and its biodegradability and renewability compared with petroleum-based diesel fuel. Although the transesterification improves the fuel properties of vegetable oil, the viscosity and volatility of biodiesel are still worse than that of petroleum diesel fuel. The energy of the biodiesel can be released more efficiently with the concept of low heat rejection (LHR) engine. The aim of this study is to apply LHR engine for improving engine performance when biodiesel is used as an alternative fuel. For this purpose, a turbocharged direct injection (DI) diesel engine was converted to a LHR engine and the effects of biodiesel (produced from sunflower oil) usage in the LHR engine on its performance characteristics have been investigated experimentally. The results showed that specific fuel consumption and the brake thermal efficiency were improved and exhaust gas temperature before the turbine inlet was increased for both fuels in the LHR engine.     

Performance and emission characteristics of a Kirloskar HA394 diesel engine operated on fish oil methyl esters

The high viscosity of fish oil leads to problem in pumping and spray characteristics. The inefficient mixing of fish oil with air leads to incomplete combustion. The best way to use fish oil as fuel in compression ignition (CI) engines is to convert it into biodiesel. It can be used in CI engines with very little or no engine modifications. This is because it has properties similar to mineral diesel. Combustion tests for methyl ester of fish oil and its blends with diesel fuel were performed in a kirloskar H394 DI diesel engine, to evaluate fish biodiesel as an alternative fuel for diesel engine, at constant speed of 1500 rpm under variable load conditions. The tests showed no major deviations in diesel engine's combustion as well as no significant changes in the engine performance and reduction of main noxious emissions with the exception on NO_x. Overall fish biodiesel showed good combustion properties and environmental benefits.     

柴油机燃用生物柴油-乙醇-水微乳化燃料性能研究

为研究生物柴油-乙醇-水微乳化燃料在柴油机上的应用,在单缸直喷式柴油机上,对生物柴油和生物柴油-乙醇-水微乳化燃料的燃烧特性、经济性和排放进行试验研究。研究结果表明:与生物柴油相比,生物柴油-乙醇-水微乳化燃料的压力、压力升高率及放热率曲线明显后移;峰值燃烧压力和峰值瞬时燃烧放热率增加,燃烧更加完全、放热更加集中;瞬时燃烧放热率第二峰值明显降低,瞬时燃烧放热率曲线型心转角在中高负荷更加靠近上止点,循环等容度和有效效率明显提高;燃料消耗率增加而比能耗略有降低;NOx和烟度排放明显降低。研究结果表明:生物柴油-乙醇-水微乳化燃料是节能、环保的柴油机代用燃料。     

Potential and challenges for large-scale application of biodiesel in automotive sector

Biodiesel is receiving serious attention globally as a potential alternative fuel for replacing mineral diesel, partially or fully. In this review paper, most prominent methods of biodiesel production commercially, life-cycle analysis and economic issues related to biodiesel, engine performance, combustion and emission characteristics including particulate, engine compatibility issues and effect of biodiesel usage on engine component wear and lubricating oil are comprehensively discussed. Majority of biodiesel produced globally is via base-catalyzed transesterification process since this is a low temperature and pressure process, having high conversion rates without intermediate steps, and it uses inexpensive materials of construction for the plant. Catalyst types (alkaline, acidic or enzymatic), catalyst concentration, molar ratio of alcohol/oil, reaction temperature, moisture content of reactants, and free fatty acid (FFA) content of oil are the main factors affecting biodiesel (ester) yield from the transesterification process. Substantial reduction in particulate matter (PM), total hydrocarbons (THC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions in comparison to mineral diesel, and increased brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and oxides of nitrogen (NO_X) emissions are reported by most researchers using unmodified compression ignition (CI) engines. This review covers several aspects, which are not covered by previous review articles, such as effect of biodiesel on unregulated emissions, effect of biodiesel on carbon deposits, wear of key engine components, and lubricating oil in long-term endurance studies. It emerges from literature review that even minor blends of biodiesel help control emissions and ease pressure on scarce petroleum resources without sacrificing engine power output, engine performance and fuel economy. This review underscores that future studies should focus on optimization of fuel injection equipment and hardware modifications to develop dedicated biodiesel engines, improve low temperature performance of biodiesel fuelled engines, develop new biodiesel compatible lubricating oil formulations and special materials for engine components before implementing large-scale substitution of mineral diesel by biodiesel globally.     

燃油撞击对柴油机混合气形成及其燃烧过程影响的研究

介绍了具有油束撞击效应的轴针式喷油器在不同柴油机燃烧系统中的应用。试验结果表明,当这种喷油器运用于涡流室式柴油机时,可以起到降低发动机燃油消耗与排气烟度的作用;运用到直喷式燃烧系统时,发动机的运转正常,起动方便,但目前还存在燃油消耗率和排气烟度高的不足。此外,还详细介绍了这种轴针式喷油嘴产生的不同形式的碰撞效果对直喷式发动机性能影响的研究结果。     

用扩散及准均质混合气压燃的组合燃烧降低柴油机碳烟与NOx排放的研究

在柴油机的一部分工况采用现有的扩散燃烧方式，另一部分工况采用柴油引燃醇燃料均质混合气的组合燃烧方式，利用醇燃料的高汽化潜热和含氧的特性，达到同时降低柴油机碳烟及氮氧化物(NOχ)的目的，并且避免在小负荷燃烧醇燃料带来的高醛类排放问题。在一台4缸水冷直喷式发动机上采用上述组合燃烧法进行试验，从发动机进气管处喷进乙醇形成均质混合气，然后由柴油引燃。由电控装置控制乙醇喷入量及其喷入时刻。试验结果表明，与原机相比，碳烟和NOχ排放分别减少了50％和30％，同时燃料的消耗率也有大幅度降低。     

Biodiesel from cotton seed oil and its effect on engine performance and exhaust emissions

The use of biodiesel is rapidly expanding around the world, making it imperative to fully understand the impacts of biodiesel on the diesel engine combustion process and pollutant formation. Biodiesel is known as the mono-alkyl-esters of long chain fatty acids derived from renewable feedstocks, such as, vegetable oils or animal fats, for use in compression ignition engines. Different parameters for the optimization of biodiesel production were investigated in the first phase of this study, while in the next phase of the study performance test of a diesel engine with neat diesel fuel and biodiesel mixtures were carried out. Biodiesel was made by the well known transesterification process. Cottonseed oil (CSO) was selected for biodiesel production. Cottonseed is non-edible oil, thus food versus fuel conflict will not arise if this is used for biodiesel production. The transesterification results showed that with the variation of catalyst, methanol or ethanol, variation of biodiesel production was realized. However, the optimum conditions for biodiesel production are suggested in this paper. A maximum of 77% biodiesel was produced with 20% methanol in presence of 0.5% sodium hydroxide. The engine experimental results showed that exhaust emissions including carbon monoxide (CO) particulate matter (PM) and smoke emissions were reduced for all biodiesel mixtures. However, a slight increase in oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) emission was experienced for biodiesel mixtures.     

Effect of hydroxy gas enrichment on vibration,noise and combustion characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with Foeniculum vulgare oil biodiesel and diesel fuel

Gaseous fuels can be used in diesel engines to improve combustion and obtain more favorable emission. Vibration and noise formation in diesel engines is a rather complex phenomenon which is created during combustion of fuels and leads to a reduction in vehicle comfort. Although there are studies in the literature that examine the noise and vibration of the diesel engine using different biofuels, there is no study that thoroughly examines the effect of combined utilization of Foeniculum vulgare oil biodiesel (FVB) and hydroxy gas (HHO) on vibration, noise and combustion characteristics. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of FVB, a promising biodiesel feedstock, and HHO dual fuel operation on vibration, noise and exhaust emissions of a diesel engine. The vibration, noise and emission data obtained by the use of diesel fuel were taken as a reference and the effects of FVB and HHO mixture utilization on vibration, noise and emission formation were examined. The results show that the total vibration and noise generated by the engine was decreased by the use of FVB. In addition, the utilization of HHO together with biodiesel further reduced the engine vibration and noise according to experimental data. According to exhaust emission formation measurements, the minimum carbon monoxide values were obtained when the engine was fueled with HHO and FVB mixtures. However, CO₂ and NO_X emissions increased with the combination of HHO and FVB usage.     

非直喷式增压柴油机燃用生物柴油的性能与排放特性

研究了非直喷式增压柴油机燃用柴油一生物柴油混合燃料的性能和排放特性。未对原机作任何调整和改动，研究了不同生物柴油掺混比例的混合燃料对功率、油耗、烟度和NOx排放的影响。结果表明：非直喷式柴油机燃用生物柴油后柴油机功率略有下降，油耗有所上升，烟度大幅下降，NOx排放增加明显。油耗、烟度和NOx的变化均与生物柴油掺混比例呈线性关系，合适的生物柴油掺混比例即可以保持柴油机的性能，又可有效地降低碳烟排放，且不引起NOx排放的显著变化。对于该增压柴油机，掺混生物柴油对外特性下的排放影响最大，影响最小的为标定转速下的负荷特性。不论是全负荷还是部分负荷，燃用生物柴油时低速下的烟度降低和NOx上升幅度均比高速时大，而同转速下高负荷时烟度降低和NOx上升更为明显。     

Characterization and effect of using rubber seed oil as fuel in the compression ignition engines

Vegetable oils pose some problems when subjected to prolonged usage in compression ignition engines because of their high viscosity and low volatility. The common problems are poor atomization, carbon deposits, ring sticking, fuel pump failure, etc. Converting the high viscosity vegetable oil into its blends or esters can minimize these problems. The various blends of rubber seed oil and diesel were prepared and its important properties such as viscosity, calorific value, flash point, fire point, etc. were evaluated and compared with that of diesel. The blends were then subjected to engine performance and emission tests and compared with that for diesel. It was found that 50–80% of rubber seed oil blends gave the best performance. Long run tests were conducted using optimized blend and diesel. It was found that blend fueled engine has higher carbon deposits inside combustion chamber than diesel-fueled engine. Utilization of blends requires frequent cleaning of fuel filter, pump and the combustion chamber. Hence, it is recommended that rubber seed oil–diesel blend fuel is more suitable for rural power generation.     

Impacts of additives on performance and emission characteristics of diesel engines during steady state operation

Depletion of fossil fuel resources and stringent emission mandates has spurred the search for improved diesel engines performance and cleaner combustion. One of the best approaches to solve these issues is to use biodiesel/diesel additives. The effects of biodiesel/diesel additives on the performance and emissions of diesel engines were comprehensively reviewed throughout this article. The additives reviewed herein were classified into five categories, i.e., oxygenated additives, metallic and non-metallic based additives, water, antioxidants, and polymeric-based additives. The effects of each category on the engine performance (i.e., brake specific fuel consumption (bsfc) and brake thermal efficiency (bte)) and emissions (i.e., CO, NO_x, HC, and PM) were exclusively summarized and discussed. Furthermore, various strategies used for adding water like water-diesel emulsion, direct water injection, and adding water into the inlet manifold were illustrated and their pros and cons were completely scrutinized. Finally, opportunities and limitations of each additive considering both engine performance and combustion benignity were outlined to guide future research and development in the domain.     

对柴油机用轴针式喷油器实现直喷燃烧的分析

从研究Elsbett“双热区”隔热直喷燃烧系统（DuothermicCombustionSystem）出发,分析了喷雾贯穿。喷孔直径、喷油器安装位置、铰接式铸铁活塞、采用机油冷却及增压等对混合气形成及燃烧过程的影响。认为,适当增加进气涡流强度、缩小喷孔与轴针之间的配合公差、采用铸铁活塞头部、以机油作为冷却介质、实现高温冷却等措施,有利于改善小缸径柴油机混合气形成及燃烧过程。“双热区”燃烧系统对采用轴针式喷嘴实现小缸径柴油机的直喷燃烧有许多值得借鉴之处。     

Thermal analysis of cylinder head carbon deposits from single cylinder diesel engine fueled by palm oil–diesel fuel emulsions

This paper aims to evaluate the cylinder head carbon deposit from diesel engine fuelled by four samples of diesel fuel emulsions containing 0%; 5%; 10% and 15% vol. water and 20% Palm Oil Methyl Ester (POME) were subjected to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DSC) in air medium. The deposit build up processes were performed on a single-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine for period of 25 h for each set of test fuel under constant speed 2500 rpm. The TGA system was used and then correlated with elemental analysis as well as infrared spectra for microscopic observations. It has been found that, as the water increases in fuel, less aromatic and less reactive of deposits would be formed. Therefore, such method of analyses can be used as an indicator to verify the stability of carbon deposit inside the combustion chamber that could substantiate the applicability of a particular fuel to be accepted.     

Biodiesel improves lubricity of new low sulphur diesel fuels

In this work, biodiesel from waste vegetable oil was used as an additive in low sulphur diesel fuel in automobile engines. The result was a fuel mixture with high lubricating power. According to the lubrication trials, the experimental mixtures complied with lubricity conditions established by European regulations, even when only a small quantity of biodiesel was used. It was also found that the mixtures were compatible with different engine gaskets and engine lubricant. Lastly, bench tests were performed using an automobile engine with mixtures of diesel fuel without conventional lubricant additive and biodiesel. The results showed that engine performance curves were very similar to those obtained with diesel fuel and that contaminating emissions from the engine decreased substantially by including biodiesel in the fuel, except for nitrogen oxides.     

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.     

Effect of induction on exhaust gas recirculation and hydrogen gas in compression ignition engine with simarouba oil in dual fuel mode

Biofuels extracted from non-edible oil is sustainable and can be used as an alternative fuel for internal combustion engines. This study presents the performance, emission and combustion characteristic analysis by using simarouba oil (obtained from Simarouba seed) as an alternative fuel along with hydrogen and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in a compression ignition (CI) engine operating on dual fuel mode. Simarouba biofuel blend (B20) was prepared on volumetric basis by mixing simarouba oil and diesel in the proportion of 20% and 80% (v/v), respectively. Hydrogen gas was introduced at the flow rate of 2.67 kg/min, and EGR concentration was maintained at 30% of total air introduction. Performance, combustion and emission characteristics analysis were examined with biodiesel (B20), biodiesel with hydrogen substitution and biodiesel, hydrogen with EGR and were compared with neat diesel operation. Results indicate that BTE of the engine operating with biodiesel B20 was decreased when compared to neat diesel operation. However, introducing hydrogen along with B20 blend into the combustion chamber shows a slight increase in the BTE by 1%. NO_x emission was increased to 18.13% with the introduction of hydrogen than that of base fuel (diesel) operation. With the introduction of EGR, there is a significant reduction in NO_x emission due to decrease in in-cylinder temperature by 19.07%. A significant reduction in CO, CO_2, and smoke emissions were also noted with the introduction of both hydrogen and EGR. The ignition delay and combustion duration were increased with the introduction of hydrogen, EGR with biodiesel than neat diesel operation. Hence, the proposed biodiesel B20 with H₂ and EGR combination can be applied as an alternative fuel in CI engines.     

Application of exhaust gas fuel reforming in diesel and homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines fuelled with biofuels

This paper documents the application of exhaust gas fuel reforming of two alternative fuels, biodiesel and bioethanol, in internal combustion engines. The exhaust gas fuel reforming process is a method of on-board production of hydrogen-rich gas by catalytic reaction of fuel and engine exhaust gas. The benefits of exhaust gas fuel reforming have been demonstrated by adding simulated reformed gas to a diesel engine fuelled by a mixture of 50% ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) and 50% rapeseed methyl ester (RME) as well as to a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine fuelled by bioethanol. In the case of the biodiesel fuelled engine, a reduction of NO_x emissions was achieved without considerable smoke increase. In the case of the bioethanol fuelled HCCI engine, the engine tolerance to exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) was extended and hence the typically high pressure rise rates of HCCI engines, associated with intense combustion noise, were reduced.     

Combustion,emission and engine performance characteristics of used cooking oil biodiesel—A review

As the environment degrades at an alarming rate, there have been steady calls by most governments following international energy policies for the use of biofuels. One of the biofuels whose use is rapidly expanding is biodiesel. One of the economical sources for biodiesel production which doubles in the reduction of liquid waste and the subsequent burden of sewage treatment is used cooking oil (UCO). However, the products formed during frying, such as free fatty acid and some polymerized triglycerides, can affect the transesterification reaction and the biodiesel properties. This paper attempts to collect and analyze published works mainly in scientific journals about the engine performance, combustion and emissions characteristics of UCO biodiesel on diesel engine. Overall, the engine performance of the UCO biodiesel and its blends was only marginally poorer compared to diesel. From the standpoint of emissions, NOx emissions were slightly higher while un-burnt hydrocarbon (UBHC) emissions were lower for UCO biodiesel when compares to diesel fuel. There were no noticeable differences between UCO biodiesel and fresh oil biodiesel as their engine performances, combustion and emissions characteristics bear a close resemblance. This is probably more closely related to the oxygenated nature of biodiesel which is almost constant for every biodiesel (biodiesel has some level of oxygen bound to its chemical structure) and also to its higher viscosity and lower calorific value, which have a major bearing on spray formation and initial combustion.