Impact of Diethyl Ether on Performance and Emission Characteristics of a VCR Diesel Engine Fueled by Dual Biodiesel

Abstract

Biodiesel is widely known as the alternative fuel for the diesel engine, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. To minimize the pertinent drawbacks, fuel additives become an essential tool and help improve renewable fuel’s properties. In this current research, biodiesel is obtained from rice bran oil and cotton seed oil, with diethyl ether as an additive. Diethyl ether is known for good oxygen content, high cetane number, and low viscosity. Experiments were performed on a variable compression ratio engine at a compression ratio of 18:1, and the injection pressure (170 bar, 180 bar, 190 bar and 200 bar) and the injection timing (20, 21, 22 and 23°bTDC) with four different dual biodiesel blends (5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by volume). Different ratios of 1%, 2.5% and 5% of diethyl ether with biodiesel combination were examined in a single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine. The engine emission and performance features were discussed at different loads and constant engine speeds. It was observed that using 5% of diethyl ether with biodiesel blends improved brake thermal efficiency, brake-specific fuel consumption and decreased carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions. The reduction of oxides of nitrogen emission contributes to biodiesel’s acceptability for the environment’s benefit. This investigation found that diethyl ether, along with dual biodiesel blends, has a better viability in diesel engines.