Exergy analysis in a HCCI engine operated with diethyl ether-fusel oil blends

Homogeneous Charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion mode is a very interesting new combustion model with high efficiency, low nitrogen oxide (NOx), and soot emissions. In the present investigation, the performance of an HCCI engine operated with three fuel ratios, i.e., 40% diethyl ether and 60% fusel oil (D40F60), 60% diethyl ether and 40% fusel oil (D60F40), and 80% diethyl ether and 20% fusel oil (D80F20), at different lambda values and engine speeds was assessed from exergy indicators. The results indicate that the lambda variation allows observing the best performance zones when operating with fuel blends. From the comparison of the exergy indicators, it is concluded that the highest engine efficiency is obtained when operating with D40F60 at a lambda between 2.1 and 2.2. However, it was determined that the increase of diethyl ether in the blend decreases the HCCI engine performance. Also, greater stability of performance was recorded when operating with D80F20. A higher exergy destruction rate is observed between lambda 3.4 and 3.9 when operating with D80F20. The exergetic efficiency values varied from 5.34% to 23.85%. According to the results obtained, the lowest and highest value of exergy efficiency was recorded for the D80F20 and D40F60, respectively.

Automated summary

This study investigates the performance of an HCCI engine operated with various fuel ratios and lambda values. The results show that the highest engine efficiency is achieved when using a blend of 40% diethyl ether and 60% fusel oil (D40F60) at a lambda between 2.1 and 2.2. However, increasing the amount of diethyl ether in the blend decreases the performance of the HCCI engine. Operating with a blend of 80% diethyl ether and 20% fusel oil (D80F20) also provides better stability of performance.