Research on the Performance Parameters of a Compression-Ignition Engine Fueled by Blends of Diesel Fuel, Rapeseed Methyl Ester and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil

This research compares the air pollution (CO, CO2, HC, NOx, smoke), energy (brake-specific fuel consumption, thermal efficiency) and noise indicators of a compression ignition engine fueled by first-generation biodiesel (rapeseed methyl ester (RME)) and second-generation biodiesel (hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVO)), or conventional (fossil) diesel fuel blends. The concentration of first- and second-generation biodiesel in two-component blends with diesel fuel was up to 15% and 30% (RME15, RME30, HVO15, and HVO30); for comparison, the three-component blend of diesel fuel, HVO and RME (RME15-HVO15) was considered. The fuels' physical and chemical properties were tested in a specialized laboratory, and the engine load conditions were ensured by the engine brake stand. Referring to ship power plants with constant-speed engines, detailed research was carried out in one speed mode (n = 2000 rpm). Studies have shown that two-component fuel blends with HVO are superior to conventional diesel fuel and two-component blends with RME in almost all cases. The HVO in fuel blends reduced fuel consumption up to 1.8%, while the thermal efficiency was close to that of fossil diesel fuel. In addition, a reduction in pollutants was observed: CO by similar to 12.5-25.0%; HC by similar to 5.0-12.0%; NOx by similar to 6.5%; smokiness by similar to 11-18% (two-component blend) and up to similar to 29% (three-component blend). The CO2 and noise characteristics were close to those of fossil diesel fuel; however, the trend of reduced smoke emission was clearly seen. A fundamental obstacle to the wide use of HVO can be seen, however, which is the price, which is 25-90% (depending on the EU country) higher than the price of conventional (fossil) diesel fuel.

Automated summary

This research compares the air pollution, energy, and noise indicators of different fuel types in a compression ignition engine. The study found that second-generation biodiesel blends performed better than traditional diesel fuel and first-generation biodiesel blends in most cases. Second-generation biodiesel reduced fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, but it comes at a higher price.