Influence of Micro-Emulsified Biodiesel on Combustion and Emission Characteristics of a Turbocharged Diesel Engine

Abstract

In this paper, two kinds of micro-emulsified biodiesel containing 5.6% and10% water are prepared. The effects of micro-emulsified biodiesel on engine’s power, combustion and emission characteristics are investigated in a DI diesel engine. The results show that under the rated speed and full load operating conditions, the maximum pressure rise rate and peak heat release rate for micro-emulsified biodiesel increase dramatically, while the ignition delay is prolonged and the combustion duration becomes shorter. Compared to base diesel, the HC, CO and smoke emissions from the engine fueled with biodiesel decrease sharply, except for a 9% increased NOx at large loads. However, micro-biodiesel could significantly reduce the NOx and smoke emissions, except for the higher HC and CO emissions at low and medium loads. When fuelled with 10%MB, the NOx and smoke emissions are 9% and 90% lower than that of diesel, respectively. Results reported here suggest that the application of micro-emulsified biodiesel in diesel engines has a potential to improve combustion process and reduce NOx, PM emissions simultaneously.