Efficiency Evaluation of Using Water-Fuel Emulsion as Fuel for Automobiles

Abstract

Road transport is the main consumer of petroleum fuel as well as a source of toxic substances. Therefore, reducing fuel consumption and emissions of harmful substances in road transport is one of the most important problems facing modern engine construction. One of the ways to solve this problem is through the use of mixed fuels, including water-fuel emulsions. Water-fuel emulsion is a promising alternative fuel that could fulfill such requests in that it can improve the combustion efficiency of internal combustion engines and reduce harmful exhaust emissions, especially nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). Up to now, there have been many studies on water-fuel emulsions, especially on performance, emissions and micro-explosion phenomena. Using water-fuel emulsion as fuel for ships worldwide was studied and applied to the 80-ies of the last century, but using it for automobiles is still limited by the emulsion stability and economic difficulties to calibrate engine parameters for a new fuel. This article provides an overview of the mechanism and performance operating cycle of internal combustion engines using water-fuel emulsions and the efficiency, economy, and environmental friendliness of this fuel type for automobiles. Hence, conclusions are drawn about the possibility and effectiveness of using emulsions as fuel for automobiles, especially under conditions in Vietnam.