Study on performance of compression engine operated by biodiesel fuel

H. Kaletnik¹, V. Mazur¹, I. Gunko¹, V. Ryaboshapka¹, V. Bulgakov², V. Raide³, R. Ilves³ and J. Olt³*

¹Vinnytsia National Agrarian University of Ukraine, 3 Soniachna Str., UA21008 Vinnytsia, Ukraine
²National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Ukraine, 15 Heroyiv Oborony Str., UA 03041 Kyiv, Ukraine;
³Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, 56 Kreutzwaldi Str., EE 51006 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: jyri.olt@emu.ee

Abstract:

The analysis of the performance of biofuel is aimed at evaluating the energy efficiency of operating the engine with the use of biodiesel fuel as function of the fuel’s composition and other physical-and-chemical parameters. The mathematical models and analysis techniques known to the authors do not take into account the effect that the use of different bio-diesel fuels has on the operation of the engine and, therefore, need refinement in terms of the mathematical expressions and empirical formulae that describe the physical processes taking place in the engine’s cylinders. The aim of the study is to improve the mathematical relations taking into consideration the physical-and-chemical parameters of different types of fuel. The research methods proposed in the article are based on step-by-step consideration of the mathematical models of processes that follow each other, with due account for their possible overlapping, which jointly have an effect on the engine’s output indices. The boundary conditions and parameter increments are pre-set in electronic work sheets. Thus, it becomes possible, using the refined mathematical model, to calculate the main performance indices of the diesel engine with due account for the changes in the physical-and-chemical parameters of the fuel. The novelty of the described approach is in the possibility, through the use of the refined model and taking into account the data on the composition of the fuel and the design and operation parameters of the engine, to calculate the indices that allow evaluating the efficiency of use of specific fuels in the internal combustion engine under consideration. In results, formulas for the calculation of the effective power of the engine, fresh air charge density, excess air factor, effective specific fuel consumption and combustion pressure have been developed. Combustion pressure modelling and experimental data is presented.

Key words:

biofuel, composition., efficiency, internal combustion engine, Physical-and-chemical parameters of the fuel

Existing state of art of free-piston engines

V. Raide,* R. Ilves, A. Küüt, K. Küüt and J. Olt

Institute of Technology, Department of Agricultural and Production Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr.R. Kreutzwaldi 56, EE51014 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: veljo.raide@emu.ee

Abstract:

Free-piston engines (FPE), as power generators for electricity and hydropower solutions, have come under intensive research and development during the last decade. The rapid development of information technology provides an opportunity to return to FPE technology development due to better levels of control and management in terms of the engine’s work. What is more, changed environmental requirements are imposing stricter conditions upon the development of internal combustion engines. More effective solutions which ensure lower exhaust emissions, which are able to consume a variety of conventional and renewable fuels without any engine modification or rebuild taking place, and which work well with a very wide variety of ambient temperature conditions. However, commercially available or production-ready compact and stable free-piston engine solution are still absent. The objectives of this article are the innovative and novel features of FPE and their influence on engine operations and power production. The article maps the FPE technology and conducts a fact analysis. Various technical solutions, experiments, and mathematical calculations are discussed and are presented critically, along with potential pros and cons. This paper will epitomise the discussions outlined above with one possible theoretical technical solution for FPE, this being the electrical power generator.

Key words: