Diffusion- and Homogeneous-Charge Combustion of Volatile Ethers in a Compression Ignition Engine

Abstract

The combustion characteristics of several volatile ether molecules were studied under diffusion and homogeneous charge combustion modes in a compression ignition engine. Volatile ethers of low molecular mass are organic molecules that could be used as fuel for compression ignition engines. The physical and chemical characteristics of such ethers comprise high oxygen content, high volatility, and low viscosity, all of which are conducive to high thermal efficiencies and low pollutant emission during engine operation. It is thought that sootless combustion may be achieved in diffusion flames of high-speed direct injection diesel engines with some volatile ethers, due to their high oxygen content. The formation of oxides of nitrogen from the combustion of ethers may be almost eliminated by the use of lean, homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion, for which these fuel molecules are particularly suitable due to their high volatility. The first part of the experiments examines the combustion characte...