Experimental analysis of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and commercial diesel fuel blend characteristics using modified CFR engine

M. Gailis¹²*, J. Rudzitis¹, J. Kreicbergs¹ and G. Zalcmanis¹

¹Riga Technical University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics, Department of Automotive Engineering, Viskalu 36A, LV1006 Riga, Latvia
²Latvia University of Agriculture, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Liela street 2, LV 3001, Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: maris.gailis@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Performance parameters of different commercial diesel fuels is a subject of interest for fuel consumers. Fuel retailer Neste recently introduced a new brand of WWFC 5th grade diesel fuel in Baltic market, consisting of diesel fuel and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) blend. Fuel samples have been recently tested on chassis dynamometer, measuring wheel power and torque and in road conditions, measuring fuel consumption. Evaluation of fuel consumption and performance parameters in road or laboratory conditions may yield uncertain results due to complexity of modern automobile engine management and emission reduction systems. To better evaluate the combustion, fuel samples have been tested in modified CFR engine at various intake air pressure, temperature and compression ratio settings. Engine indicated performance parameters and combustion phasing of regular diesel fuel and diesel fuel-HVO blend are presented. Comparing to regular diesel fuel, fuel blend with HVO showed reduced apparent heat release rate (AHRR) during premixed combustion phase at low inlet air temperature and low compression ratio conditions, comparing to regular diesel fuel. Premixed combustion phase AHRR of diesel-HVO blend increased above AHRR of regular diesel fuel at higher inlet air temperature and higher compression ratio conditions. Diffusion controlled combustion phase AHRR of diesel-HVO blend increased above AHRR of regular diesel fuel at higher inlet air temperature, higher compression ratio conditions and supercharged air supply.

Key words:

autoignition, biofuel, Compression ignition, heat release, ignition delay, IMEP, internal combustion, NextBTL, paraffinic fuel, renewable fuel

Experimental analysis of combustion process in SI Engine using ethanol and ethanol-gasoline blend

M. Gailis¹,²* and V. Pirs²

¹ Riga Technical University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics, Department of Automotive Engineering, Viskalu 36A, LV 1006 Riga, Latvia
² Latvia University of Agriculture, Faculty of Engineering, Motor Vehicle Institute, Liela street 2, LV 3001 Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: maris.gailis@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Effect of fuel composition and ignition timing on combustion parameters of spark ignition (SI) port fuel injection (PFI) engine had been studied experimentally. The engine was fuelled with an ethanol and ethanol-gasoline blend E85. The engine was operated at steady speed at 1,500 min^-1 and four load points have been used. Minimal ignition timing advance for maximal brake torque (MBT) at stoichiometric air/ fuel ratio for the tested fuels were found. The fuels were tested at their respective MBT timing and gasoline MBT timing. MBT timing was retarded by 8–11% for ethanol and 5–10% for E85 fuel, comparing to gasoline MBT timing. Indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) was not affected by ignition timing in tested conditions. Maximal cylinder pressure was increased and flame development phase was extended, when gasoline MBT was used with fuels with high ethanol content at tested conditions.

Key words: