The effect of adding fusel oil to diesel on the performance and emissions characteristics in single cylinder CI engine

Alcohol, as alternative fuels, has attracted the attention of many companies and researchers worldwide. In fact, several studies have looked into emission and performance characteristics of alcohol used in compression-ignition (CI) engines. Fusel oil is an alcohol-based fuel collected as a by-product from the fermentation of alcohol. In this experimental study, the influences of fusel oil-diesel blended fuel F20 (20% vol fusel oil and 80% vol diesel) on engine performance characteristics, combustion, and exhaust emissions were examined in a single cylinder four-stroke CI engine. The test was performed at two engine loads (50% and 75%) and five engine speeds (from 1200_2400 rpm with intervals of 300 rpm). The engine power, torque, indicated specific fuel consumptions, in-cylinder temperature, energy release rate, cumulative energy release, and emissions (carbon dioxide, CO2; carbon monoxide, CO; and nitrogen oxide, NOx) were examined. The results revealed that the engine power and torque for F20 slightly dropped compared to those with pure diesel. Moreover, the indicated specific fuel consumption (ISFC) slightly increased, especially with 75% load at high engine speeds and around 8% at an average, while ignition delay of F20 had been longer around 7% at all engine speeds and loads compared to those with diesel. Furthermore, a reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions was observed at all engine loads and speeds, while the highest reduction in NOx for F20 was 28% with 1500 rpm at both loads. In addition, it was found that both CO2 and CO emissions increased. The high water content, low cetane number, and the low heating value of fusel oil had been the reasons for the negative effect displayed upon engine performance.

Keywords: Fusel oil, emissions, Single cylinder engine, Combustion characteristics Alternative fuels

M.M.Noor