Enhancing Combustion Stability in Biodiesel Engines: The Plausibility of n-Butanol Injection Phasing and Reactivity-Controlled Compression Ignition–An Experimental Endeavour

Abstract

This study explores the synergistic effect of injection phasing on reactivity-controlled compression ignition strategies upon the combustion and stability indices of biodiesel-fuelled single-cylinder four-stroke diesel engines. Mahua Biodiesel was used as the primary fuel, and n-butanol was injected into the manifold to achieve that strategy. The tests were conducted with varying the start of pilot-main injection timing, energy share of biodiesel in split injection and energy share of butanol. This work also entails the various combustion characteristics and the corresponding consequences on the engine’s performance-emission. Ignition delay is shortened with retarded injection timing. At the same time, combustion duration is reduced with higher butanol share and advanced injection timing of biodiesel. The butanol injection and advanced pilot biodiesel injection timing revealed the advancement of combustion phasing. In conjunction with n-butanol port fuel injection, the current study demonstrates the noteworthy and potential superiority of n-butanol as the less reactive constituent. Shortened ignition delay exhibited improved performance and UHC-CO footprint. This study highlights the maximum reduction in regulated emissions compared to operations solely relying on 100% biodiesel. The occurrence of CA50 at 5°–7° CA revealed a maximum decrease in NOX-UHC-CO-CO2 emissions compared to the B100 fuelled strategy. The reduction percentages observed were 53.4%, 97%, 81.1%, and 53.2%, respectively.