Effect of addition of diethyl ether with custard apple seed oil + hydrogen enrichment on dual-fuel compression ignition engine

Abstract

Due to the inert chemical properties of custard apple seed oil (CASO), one standard method for overcoming the challenges with its combustion is to use hydrogen as a supplemental fuel in dual-fuel mode. This is a technique that has developed in prominence in recent years. This investigation aims to examine the combustion characteristics of a DI engine that has been fuelled with CASO-blended di-ethyl ether (DEE), as well as hydrogen used as a secondary fuel. The experiment was conducted in atmospheric air with hydrogen enrichment (8 and 10 LPM) using CASO and CASO + 20% DEE as fuel for load condition varying from (25–100%). When compared to diesel at full load, the brake thermal efficiency of CASO was lower by 16%; however, it was improved by 9% with direct hydrogen induction at a knock limit of 10 LPM; and it was improved by 23% with CASO + H2 + 20% DEE when operating at maximum load. NOx emissions for CASO + 10 LPM H2 + 20% DEE at maximum load is 926 ppm, which is around 45.46% less than the emission value for diesel. When more hydrogen was added to the combination, the presence of DEE in the fuel caused a reduction in the emissions of both hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide around 21.70% opacity and 0.711%vol, respectively, which leading to a cleaner environment.