Fuelling of an Automotive Engine on DIMETHYL ETHER (DME)
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View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Wits Institutional Repository on DSPACE Fuelling of an Automotive Engine on DIMETHYL ETHER (DME) KENAN GRÖSS A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. Johannesburg, 2008 Acknowledgments I would like to dedicate this to my wife Natalie, my parents, my brother and my sister, “Thank you guys for all your encouragement and overwhelming support.” To my fellow post graduate colleges, workshop staff, and all supporting lecturers who contributed to the success of this project, “Thank you” Lastly, I would like to send out the biggest thank you to my supervisor Dr. D. Cipolat for all his time and effort invested in me, especially in believing in me and helping me with the development of the new rig, “Thank you for all your time and effort Dr. Cipolat”. i Declaration I declare that this research report is my own, unaided work. It is being submitted for the degree of Master of Science in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for any degree or examination in any other University. KENAN GRÖSS _______ day of _____________________________ ii Abstract This research is based on development of a small compact Low Pressure Dimethyl Ether (DME) fuelling system with the scope of one day being retrofitted to a diesel Light Duty Vehicle (LDV). The development of the Low Pressure DME fuelling system is discussed along with the engine injector characteristics, the energy release, and the NOx emissions. The recorded data was compared to a previous DME fuelling system and conventional diesel results. The report discusses in detail the complete design phase of the Low Pressure DME system, with emphasis on the delivery pressure and portability of the system. The testing phase was run using a 1330cc PH2 Lister Petter diesel engine, with the Low Pressure DME fuelling system connected to the inlet of the original diesel injector fuel pumps. Three individual tests were run, ranging from 1100 rpm to 1800 rpm, at loads of 25Nm, 35Nm and 45Nm. Engine performance and emission data were recorded for each case, with emphasis placed on the fuel injector line pressure. The results obtained indicated that the bulk modulus of the fuel played an important role when it came to fuel injector performance. Injector timing was also identified as having a significant effect. The energy released, while running on the Low Pressure DME fuelling system, clearly indicated that the maximum peak occurred well after top dead centre, this in turn influenced the cylinder pressure which ultimately reduced the usable power. From the NOx emissions it was seen that running the engine on DME, the concentration levels started off high for low engine speeds and rapidly tapered down as the speed increased. The Low Pressure DME fuelling system produced the lowest NOx concentration levels for high engine speeds and especially high engine loads. As a whole the Low Pressure DME fuelling system produced satisfactory results and showed definite potential for future development. iii Table of Contents Acknowledgments.................................................................................................................... i Declaration ............................................................................................................................... ii Abstract ................................................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures........................................................................................................................ vii List of Tables........................................................................................................................... ix Nomenclature........................................................................................................................... x 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Types of Emissions .................................................................................................. 3 1.2.1 Hydrocarbons....................................................................................................... 3 1.2.2 Particulate Matter................................................................................................. 3 1.2.3 Nitric Oxides......................................................................................................... 3 1.2.4 Carbon Dioxide .................................................................................................... 3 1.2.5 Carbon Monoxide................................................................................................. 3 1.2.6 Odour ................................................................................................................... 4 1.2.7 Sulphur................................................................................................................. 4 1.3 Alternative Fuel Vehicles.......................................................................................... 4 2 Dimethyl Ether (DME) ..................................................................................................... 5 2.1 Description ............................................................................................................... 5 2.1.1 Uses..................................................................................................................... 5 2.1.2 Toxicity................................................................................................................. 5 2.1.3 Materials of construction...................................................................................... 5 2.1.4 Commercial Preparation ...................................................................................... 6 2.1.5 Vapour Pressure.................................................................................................. 6 2.1.6 Chemical Properties............................................................................................. 7 2.1.7 Comparison of DME Properties to Diesel............................................................ 7 3 Literature Survey ............................................................................................................ 8 3.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 8 3.1.1 Comparison of Heat Release and NOx Formation in a DI Diesel Engine Running [6] on DME and Diesel Fuel ............................................................................................... 8 3.1.2 Effects of Fuel Injection Characteristics on Heat Release and Emissions in DI [7] Diesel Engine Operated on DME ................................................................................ 10 iv 3.1.3 Engine Performance and Exhaust Characteristics of Direct-Injection Diesel [8] Engine Operated with DME ......................................................................................... 12 3.1.4 Experimental Study on Performances and Combustion Characteristics of a DME [9] powered Vehicle .......................................................................................................... 14 3.1.5 Effects of Fuel Injection Conditions on Driving Performance of a DME Diesel [10] Vehicle ....................................................................................................................... 16 4 Analysis ......................................................................................................................... 19 4.1 Objectives............................................................................................................... 19 4.2 Approach ................................................................................................................ 19 5 Experimental Facilities and Equipment...................................................................... 20 5.1 Compression Ignition Engine ................................................................................. 21 5.2 Fuel Pumps and Injectors ...................................................................................... 22 5.3 Dynamometer......................................................................................................... 22 5.4 Cooling Fans .......................................................................................................... 23 5.5 Fuel System ........................................................................................................... 23 5.5.1 Fuel Supply System........................................................................................... 23 5.5.2 Previous DME fuel supply line ........................................................................... 23 5.5.3 Development of the Low Pressure Fuel System ............................................... 25 5.5.4 Equipment Specification ...................................................................................