Improvement of engine emissions with conventional diesel fuel and diesel-biodiesel blends

In this report combustion and exhaust emissions with neat diesel fuel and diesel-biodiesel blends have been investigated. In the investigation, firstly biodiesel from non-edible neem oil has been made by esterification. Biodiesel fuel (BDF) is chemically known as mono-alkyl fatty acid ester. It is renewable in nature and is derived from plant oils including vegetable oils. BDF is non-toxic, biodegradable, recycled resource and essentially free from sulfur and carcinogenic benzene. In the second phase of this investigation, experiment has been conducted with neat diesel fuel and diesel-biodiesel blends in a four stroke naturally aspirated (NA) direct injection (DI) diesel engine. Compared with conventional diesel fuel, diesel-biodiesel blends showed lower carbon monoxide (CO), and smoke emissions but higher oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission. However, compared with the diesel fuel, NOx emission with diesel-biodiesel blends was slightly reduced when EGR was applied.     

Alternative fuel properties of tall oil fatty acid methyl ester-diesel fuel blends

In this experimental work, tall oil methyl ester-diesel fuel blends as alternative fuels for diesel engines were studied. Tall oil methyl ester was produced by reacting tall oil fatty acids with methyl alcohol under optimum conditions. The blends of tall oil methyl ester-diesel fuel were tested in a direct injection diesel engine at full load condition. The effects of the new fuel blends on the engine performance and exhaust emission were tested. It was observed that the engine torque and power output with tall oil methyl ester-diesel fuel blends increased up to 6.1% and 5.9%, respectively. It was also seen that CO emissions decreased to 38.9% and NO(x) emissions increased up to 30% with the new fuel blends. The smoke opacity did not vary significantly.     

Influence of tall oil biodiesel with Mg and Mo based fuel additives on diesel engine performance and emission

The purpose of this study is to investigate influences of tall oil biodiesel with Mg and Mo based fuel additives on diesel engine performance and emission. Tall oil resinic acids were reacted with MgO and MoO(2) stoichiometrically for the production of metal-based fuel additives (combustion catalysts). The metal-based additives were added into tall oil biodiesel (B60) at the rate of 4 micromol/l, 8 micromol/l and 12 micromol/l for preparing test fuels. In general, both of the metal-based additives improved flash point, pour point and viscosity of the biodiesel fuel, depending on the rate of additives. A single cylinder DI diesel engine was used in the tests. Engine performance values did not change significantly with biodiesel fuels, but exhaust emission profile was improved. CO emissions and smoke opacity decreased by 56.42% and by 30.43%, respectively. In general, low NO(x) and CO(2) emissions were measured with the biodiesel fuels.     

Combustion characteristics of a turbocharged DI compression ignition engine fueled with petroleum diesel fuels and biodiesel

In this study, the combustion characteristics and emissions of two different petroleum diesel fuels (No. 1 and No. 2) and biodiesel from soybean oil were compared. The tests were performed at steady state conditions in a four-cylinder turbocharged DI diesel engine at full load at 1400-rpm engine speed. The experimental results compared with No. 2 diesel fuel showed that biodiesel provided significant reductions in PM, CO, and unburned HC, the NO(x) increased by 11.2%. Biodiesel had a 13.8% increase in brake-specific fuel consumption due to its lower heating value. However, using No. 1 diesel fuel gave better emission results, NO(x) and brake-specific fuel consumption reduced by 16.1% and 1.2%, respectively. The values of the principal combustion characteristics of the biodiesel were obtained between two petroleum diesel fuels. The results indicated that biodiesel may be blended with No. 1 diesel fuel to be used without any modification on the engine.     

Combustion characteristics of different parts of corn straw and NO formation in a fixed bed

Experiments with five samples of corn straw were carried out on a one-dimensional bench combustion test rig. The bed temperature distribution and the mass loss of fuel and gas components such as O2, CO, CO2 and NO were measured in the bed. The combustion of corn straw occurred in two stages, ignition front propagation and char oxidation. The average burning rate increased with an increase in the primary air flow until a critical point was reached, beyond which a further increase in the primary air flow resulted in a decreased burning rate. The mean concentration of NO reached a minimum value and then increased with increased primary air flow. The time taken for the drying front to reach the bottom of the bed was 800 s, 700 s, and 500 s; the temperatures in the high bed temperature zones were 900-935 degrees C, 800-850 degrees C and 700-743 degrees C; and the maximum concentrations of NO were 725 ppmv, 1287 ppmv, and 2730 ppmv, for whole corn stalks, hollow corn stalks and flaked corn stalks, respectively. The maximum concentrations of CO and NO were quite different between samples. There was only one peak in the distribution of NO concentration for sample B, but there were two peaks for whole corn stalks and sample A.     

Diesel particulate emissions from used cooking oil biodiesel

Two different biodiesel fuels, obtained from waste cooking oils with different previous uses, were tested in a DI diesel commercial engine either pure or in 30% and 70% v/v blends with a reference diesel fuel. Tests were performed under a set of engine operating conditions corresponding to typical road conditions. Although the engine efficiency was not significantly affected, an increase in fuel consumption with the biodiesel concentration was observed. This increase was proportional to the decrease in the heating value. The main objective of the work was to study the effect of biodiesel blends on particulate emissions, measured in terms of mass, optical effect (smoke opacity) and size distributions. A sharp decrease was observed in both smoke and particulate matter emissions as the biodiesel concentration was increased. The mean particle size was also reduced with the biodiesel concentration, but no significant increases were found in the range of the smallest particles. No important differences in emissions were found between the two tested biodiesel fuels.     

The use of a fuel containing Chlorella vulgaris in a diesel engine

There is a need for sustainable fuels for diesel engines and fuels containing particles will function as a fuel in diesel engines. Some microalgae such as Chlorella vulgaris are unicellular and 5–10 μm in size, which is suitable for combining in an emulsion fuel. An emulsion consisting of transesterified rapeseed oil, a surfactant and a slurry of C. vulgaris was used as a fuel in an unmodified single cylinder diesel engine. The fuel consumption and emissions of this fuel was determined and although the carbon monoxide levels were higher the NO_x emission was lower than that of diesel.     

Energy production from biomass (Part 2): Conversion technologies

The use of biomass to provide energy has been fundamental to the development of civilisation. In recent times pressures on the global environment have led to calls for an increased use of renewable energy sources, in lieu of fossil fuels. Biomass is one potential source of renewable energy and the conversion of plant material into a suitable form of energy, usually electricity or as a fuel for an internal combustion engine, can be achieved using a number of different routes, each with specific pros and cons. A brief review of the main conversion processes is presented, with specific regard to the production of a fuel suitable for spark ignition gas engines.     

Thermogravimetric investigation on co-combustion characteristics of tobacco residue and high-ash anthracite coal

The thermal behavior of high-ash anthracite coal, tobacco residue and their blends during combustion processes was investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis (20 K min(-1), ranging from ambient temperature to 1273 K). Effects of the mixed proportion between coal and tobacco residue on the combustion process, ignition and burnout characteristics were also studied. The results indicated that the combustion of tobacco residue was controlled by the emission of volatile matter; the regions were more complex for tobacco residue (four peaks) than for coal (two peaks). Also, the blends had integrative thermal profiles that reflected both tobacco residue and coal. The incorporation of tobacco residue could improve the combustion characteristics of high-ash anthracite coal, especially the ignition and burnout characteristics comparing with the separate burning of tobacco residue and coal. It was feasible to use the co-combustion of tobacco residue and high-ash anthracite coal as fuel.     

Ethanol-diesel fuel blends -- a review

Ethanol is an attractive alternative fuel because it is a renewable bio-based resource and it is oxygenated, thereby providing the potential to reduce particulate emissions in compression-ignition engines. In this review the properties and specifications of ethanol blended with diesel fuel are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the factors critical to the potential commercial use of these blends. These factors include blend properties such as stability, viscosity and lubricity, safety and materials compatibility. The effect of the fuel on engine performance, durability and emissions is also considered. The formulation of additives to correct certain key properties and maintain blend stability is suggested as a critical factor in ensuring fuel compatibility with engines. However, maintaining vehicle safety with these blends may entail fuel tank modifications. Further work is required in specifying acceptable fuel characteristics, confirming the long-term effects on engine durability, and ensuring safety in handling and storing ethanol-diesel blends.     

Effect of operating and sampling conditions on the exhaust gas composition of small-scale power generators

Small stationary diesel engines, like in generator sets, have limited emission control measures and are therefore responsible for 44% of the particulate matter (PM) emissions in the United States. The diesel exhaust composition depends on operating conditions of the combustion engine. Furthermore, the measurements are influenced by the used sampling method. This study examines the effect of engine loading and exhaust gas dilution on the composition of small-scale power generators. These generators are used in different operating conditions than road-transport vehicles, resulting in different emission characteristics. Experimental data were obtained for gaseous volatile organic compounds (VOC) and PM mass concentration, elemental composition and nitrate content. The exhaust composition depends on load condition because of its effect on fuel consumption, engine wear and combustion temperature. Higher load conditions result in lower PM concentration and sharper edged particles with larger aerodynamic diameters. A positive correlation with load condition was found for K, Ca, Sr, Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb adsorbed on PM, elements that originate from lubricating oil or engine corrosion. The nitrate concentration decreases at higher load conditions, due to enhanced nitrate dissociation to gaseous NO at higher engine temperatures. Dilution on the other hand decreases PM and nitrate concentration and increases gaseous VOC and adsorbed metal content. In conclusion, these data show that operating and sampling conditions have a major effect on the exhaust gas composition of small-scale diesel generators. Therefore, care must be taken when designing new experiments or comparing literature results.     

Biodiesel Production from Non-edible Oils of Jatropha and Karanj for Utilization in Electrical Generator

The biodiesel processor was developed for the production of biodiesel from non-edible oil of jatropha and karanj. The newly developed biodiesel processor is suitable for farmers in village level biodiesel production. The biodiesel processor was capable of producing 15 kg biodiesel per batch in 1.5 h at reaction temperature of 60°C. The biodiesel was produced from raw jatropha and karanj oil, and its blends with diesel were tested for power generation in a 7.5-kVA diesel engine generator set. The fuel properties, namely, kinematic viscosity and specific gravity, were found within the limits of Bureau of Indian Standards specifications. The overall efficiency of the generator for 4,500 W loading condition of jatropha- and karanj-biodiesel-blended fuel were recorded in the range of 21–23% and 24–27%, respectively. The overall efficiency of the generator for 6,000 W loading conditions was improved for jatropha and karanj biodiesel blends and were found in the range of 31–33% and 33–39%, respectively. Biodiesel blends B80 and pure biodiesel of karanj produced more power, and maximum overall efficiency was recorded as compared with diesel fueled generator. The overall efficiency on jatropha-biodiesel-blended fuel were found less than the diesel-fueled generator. The biodiesel processor based on alkali-catalyzed transesterification process can be used for quality biodiesel production from edible and non-edible vegetable oils. This processor can be integrated with rural energy system for domestic and small-scale industrial unit for biodiesel production.     

PAHs and their Carcinogenic Potencies in Diesel Fuel and Diesel Generator Exhaust

The PAH profile was characterized in diesel fuel samples collected from different service stations in Agra (India) by using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID). The low molecular weight PAHs were predominant, ranging from 4.4 × 10² to 1.7 × 10³ mg l^{? 1} in fuel. Exhaust emissions from a diesel generator and a four-stroke engine (Skoda) powered by these fuels were monitored by a stack sampler and quantified for PAHs. The high molecular weight PAHs (DbA+IP, BghiP, and BaP, BbF+BkF) were the dominant PAHs in exhaust emissions. Differences in PAH emission factors for the two engines were found and these differences could be related to the combustion conditions affecting the temperature of flue gas. Emission factors and output/input ratio for individual PAHs suggest that the low molecular weight compounds in the fuel contribute to pyrosynthesis of high molecular weight in exhaust. Unburnt fuel partially contributes to low molecular weight PAHs in exhaust. Further, the relative carcinogenic contributions of each compound in the fuel and exhaust were calculated using the TEF approach. DbA + IP and BaP were significant contributors to the carcinogenicity of the PAH mixture in the exhaust.     

Effects of mixing system and pilot fuel quality on diesel–biogas dual fuel engine performance

This paper describes results obtained from CI engine performance running on dual fuel mode at fixed engine speed and four loads, varying the mixing system and pilot fuel quality, associated with fuel composition and cetane number. The experiments were carried out on a power generation diesel engine at 1500 m above sea level, with simulated biogas (60% CH₄–40% CO₂) as primary fuel, and diesel and palm oil biodiesel as pilot fuels. Dual fuel engine performance using a naturally aspirated mixing system and diesel as pilot fuel was compared with engine performance attained with a supercharged mixing system and biodiesel as pilot fuel. For all loads evaluated, was possible to achieve full diesel substitution using biogas and biodiesel as power sources. Using the supercharged mixing system combined with biodiesel as pilot fuel, thermal efficiency and substitution of pilot fuel were increased, whereas methane and carbon monoxide emissions were reduced.     

Experimental study of the spray characteristics of biodiesel based on inedible oil

We studied the spray characteristics of inedible oil using experimental and simulation methods. Spray penetration, spray cone angle and spray tip speed were measured at different biodiesel ratios in a constant volume vessel with wide visualization and high back pressure, using a high-speed camera. The characteristics of biodiesel spray were simulated under the same conditions using Star-CD software. The experimental results showed that, as the ratio of biodiesel in the blends increased, spray penetration and spray speed increased, but the spray cone angle decreased. Throughout the spray injection period, the region at 0.05–0.475S (spray tip penetration) was a key area affecting spray cone angle. From 0.8 ms after injection, the spray penetration deviation ratios started to increase with increasing biodiesel blend ratios. Simulation results showed similar macroscopic spray characteristics to the experimental results for jatropha oil. The results also showed that the Sauter mean diameter of blend fuels was greater than that of diesel, and spray was more concentrated, due to the higher viscosity and surface tension of the biodiesel, compared with conventional diesel fuel. The macroscopic and microscopic spray properties of blended fuels containing 5%, 10% and 20% biodiesel were similar to diesel.     

Microbial growth studies in biodiesel blends

Introduction of biofuels to the fuel matrix poses new questions and challenges. The present study investigates the microbiological stability of biodiesel blends in small scale microcosms. The study presents results from incubations of diesel-biodiesel blends with contaminated inoculation water collected from diesel storage tanks to ensure the presence of relevant fuel degrading bacteria. DAPI and qPCR analyses has subsequently shown an increased bacterial growth and activity in the microcosms containing biodiesel blends as the carbon source compared to those microcosms where neat fossil diesel made up the carbon source. Several anaerobic microorganisms have been identified after incubation. Presence of methanogens, sulfate-reducing bacteria and nitrate reducing bacteria has furthermore been confirmed by chemical analyses, supplemented by observations of methane formation in biodiesel incubations. The findings will contribute to the knowledge base for a safer introduction of biodiesel in the fuel matrix by employment of proper house-keeping and monitoring methods.     

Energy Efficiency Analysis: Biomass-to-Wheel Efficiency Related with Biofuels Production, Fuel Distribution, and Powertrain Systems

Background

Energy efficiency analysis for different biomass-utilization scenarios would help make more informed decisions for developing future biomass-based transportation systems. Diverse biofuels produced from biomass include cellulosic ethanol, butanol, fatty acid ethyl esters, methane, hydrogen, methanol, dimethyether, Fischer-Tropsch diesel, and bioelectricity; the respective powertrain systems include internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles based on gasoline or diesel ICEs, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, sugar fuel cell vehicles (SFCV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV).

Methodology/Principal Findings

We conducted a simple, straightforward, and transparent biomass-to-wheel (BTW) analysis including three separate conversion elements -- biomass-to-fuel conversion, fuel transport and distribution, and respective powertrain systems. BTW efficiency is a ratio of the kinetic energy of an automobile''s wheels to the chemical energy of delivered biomass just before entering biorefineries. Up to 13 scenarios were analyzed and compared to a base line case – corn ethanol/ICE. This analysis suggests that BEV, whose electricity is generated from stationary fuel cells, and SFCV, based on a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with an on-board sugar-to-hydrogen bioreformer, would have the highest BTW efficiencies, nearly four times that of ethanol-ICE.

Significance

In the long term, a small fraction of the annual US biomass (e.g., 7.1%, or 700 million tons of biomass) would be sufficient to meet 100% of light-duty passenger vehicle fuel needs (i.e., 150 billion gallons of gasoline/ethanol per year), through up to four-fold enhanced BTW efficiencies by using SFCV or BEV. SFCV would have several advantages over BEV: much higher energy storage densities, faster refilling rates, better safety, and less environmental burdens.     

Industrial fermentation of renewable diesel fuels

In commodity chemicals, cost drives everything. A working class family of four drives up to the gas pumps and faces a choice of a renewable diesel or petroleum diesel. Renewable diesel costs $0.50 more per gallon. Which fuel do they pick? Petroleum diesel will be the winner every time, unless the renewable fuel can achieve cost and performance parity with petrol. Nascent producers of advanced biofuels, including Amyris, LS9, Neste and Solazyme, aim to deliver renewable diesel fuels that not only meet the cost challenge, but also exceed the storage, transport, engine performance and emissions properties of petroleum diesel.     

Experimental study on effects of moisture content on combustion characteristics of simulated municipal solid wastes in a fixed bed

A fixed-bed experimental reactor was employed to reveal the combustion characteristics in simulated municipal solid waste (MSW) beds. Temperature distributions, ignition front velocity, bed weight were measured during combustion and gas analysis was also performed for O2, CO2, CO, CxHy, NO, HCN. The moisture content in MSW was varied. For higher moisture content, the drying of material was finished much later and the ignition front temperatures, ignition front velocity and overall burning rate were found to drop. The average concentration of CO and CO2 from the bed was inversely proportional to the moisture level, and the highest concentrations of CO and CxHy were observed at middle level of investigated fuel moisture content. Measurements showed that NO and HCN emitted from the bed and reached the peaks simultaneously with the volatile matters, and the conversion ratio of fuel nitrogen to NO and average concentration of NO decreased with increasing moisture content.     

大兴安岭小尺度草甸火燃烧效率研究

燃烧效率是进行生物质燃烧温室气体释放量计算的关键因子,以大兴安岭典型草甸区为研究区域,通过样地调查和采样,应用GIS和地统计学的方法对燃烧格局和燃烧效率进行计算。结果表明:研究区域内草甸可燃物的平均载量为37.3t/hm²,草本层、枯落物层和腐殖层载量平均所占比例分别为18.50%,28.95%和52.55%。样地的块金系数分别在80.84%-97.88%之间变化,过火迹地的燃烧深度具有弱的空间相关性。研究区域内平均燃烧效率为64.51%,根据不同的火烧强度,研究区域的燃烧效率在44.35%-90.6%之间变化。