Reduction Of Particulate Matter Emissions Research Articles

Efficiency evaluation of a lab-scale photoelectric precipitator for particulate matter emission reduction

Efficiency evaluation of a lab-scale photoelectric precipitator for particulate matter emission reduction

Assessing the particulate matter emission reduction characteristics of small turbofan engine fueled with 100 % HEFA sustainable aviation fuel

With the continuous increase in global air transportation, the impact of ultrafine particulate matter (PM) emissions from aviation on human health and environmental pollution is becoming increasingly severe. In addition to carbon reduction throughout the lifecycle, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) also represent a significant pathway for reducing PM emissions. However, due to issues such as airworthiness safety and adaptability, existing research has mostly focused on the emission performance of SAF when blended with traditional fuels at <50 %, leaving the emission characteristics of higher blending ratios to be explored. In this study, using measurement methods recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the PM emission reduction characteristics of small turbofan engines fueled with 100 % Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA)-SAF were experimentally evaluated and compared with traditional fuels RP-3 and Diesel, while avoiding the interference of lubricant blending combustion. The results showed that the peak number concentration of particle size distribution (PSD), PM total number, as well as the number and mass concentration of non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) decreased initially and then increased with rising thrust conditions. HEFA-SAF exhibits PSD with smaller diameters, and the Geometric Mean Diameter (GMD) ranges from 7.7 nm to 20.3 nm under all conditions. Both volatile particulates (vPM) and nvPM from HEFA-SAF are significantly reduced, with nvPM number emission index (EIn) being 92 % and 71 % lower than Diesel and RP-3, respectively. The nvPM mass emission index (EIm) also shows reductions of 96 % and 89 % compared to Diesel and RP-3. Microscopic characterization also indicated that using HEFA-SAF emitted fewer and smaller PMs. This study establishes a foundation for evaluating the effectiveness of 100 % SAF in reducing PM emissions within the aviation sector, and contributes to the airworthiness regulations development related to the use of SAF in a variety of application environments, alongside enhancing environmental protection measures.

Cooled Spray Technology for Particulate Reduction in a Heavy-Duty Engine

Abstract Cooled spray (CS) technology passively reduces particulate matter (PM) emissions from diesel engines compared to non-CS-equipped diesel engines. CS inserts are mounted near the injector nozzle and control mixing so that the fuel and air can premix while limiting combustion near fuel-rich zones, thereby reducing the formation of particulate matter. CS components contain no moving parts and could be installed as a retrofit or built into new engines. However, CS technology is early in its development, and further investigations are needed to understand the overall performance implications and practicality of the technology. In this paper, we investigate several important aspects of CS, providing a clearer picture of some challenges and potential benefits of CS. Two alignment techniques are used to characterize measurement ease and bias, namely, an optical alignment and spray-plug impact alignment. While the optical technique facilitates alignment more easily, a bias was measured between the optical and spray-plug techniques, suggesting the optical technique may have insufficient accuracy without additional corrections. We also evaluate the engine performance of a well-aligned and poorly aligned CS insert, compared to the baseline configuration. The poorly aligned insert shows slower combustion than the baseline and mixed overall performance. However, the well-aligned insert shows faster combustion than the baseline and PM emission reduction at most operating conditions, with some conditions showing PM reduction up to 80%. The results of this paper highlight the alignment challenges of CS technology as well as the potential PM reduction benefit of the technology.

Car-Following Strategy Involving Stabilizing Traffic Flow with Connected Automated Vehicles to Reduce Particulate Matter (PM) Emissions in Rainy Weather

On highways, it is commonplace to observe car-following behavior among vehicles. Unfortunately, this behavior results in significant particulate matter (PM) emissions, which greatly contribute to environmental pollution. Additionally, adverse weather conditions such as rain can negatively affect vehicles’ car-following behavior and have further influences on their PM emissions. The technology of connected automated vehicles (CAVs) offers a promising solution for mitigating these negative influences. This paper investigates the effect of various rainy weather conditions on PM emissions during car-following behavior on highways and proposes a CAV car-following strategy to reduce these emissions. Firstly, we employed a calibrated car-following model of traditional vehicles to perform simulation experiments, examining characteristics of PM emissions under four levels of rain and two simulation scenarios. Secondly, based on the relationship between PM emissions and speed fluctuations, we proposed a CAV car-following strategy by stabilizing traffic flow to smooth speed fluctuations. The proposed CAV car-following strategy was then validated through simulation experiments, and its effectiveness in reducing PM emissions under rainy conditions was assessed. The results indicate that higher speed fluctuations during car-following behavior lead to more PM emissions in rainy weather. By utilizing the proposed car-following strategy, CAVs can significantly reduce PM emissions in rain conditions, with average reductions of 41.07%, 59.46%, 49.60%, and 71.66% under very light rain, light rain, moderate rain, and heavy rain conditions, respectively. The findings of this paper facilitate the assessment of PM emissions fluctuations in different rainy weather conditions, which in turn can contribute to the development of more effective PM emissions control strategies. The proposed CAV car-following strategy can smooth speed fluctuations, and improve traffic flow stability, thus reducing PM emissions in rainy weather. It has the potential to mitigate environmental pollution from the transportation sector.

Particulate Matter Emission and Air Pollution Reduction by Applying Variable Systems in Tribologically Optimized Diesel Engines for Vehicles in Road Traffic

Regardless of the increasingly intensive application of vehicles with electric drives, internal combustion engines are still dominant as power units of mobile systems in various sectors of the economy. In order to reduce the emission of exhaust gases and satisfy legal regulations, as a temporary solution, hybrid drives with optimized internal combustion engines and their associated systems are increasingly being used. Application of the variable compression ratio and diesel fuel injection timing, as well as the tribological optimization of parts, contribute to the reduction in fuel consumption, partly due to the reduction in mechanical losses, which, according to test results, also results in the reduction in emissions. This manuscript presents the results of diesel engine testing on a test bench in laboratory conditions at different operating modes (compression ratio, fuel injection timing, engine speed, and load), which were processed using a zero-dimensional model of the combustion process. The test results should contribute to the optimization of the combustion process from the aspect of minimal particulate matter emission. As a special contribution, the results of tribological tests of materials for strengthening the sliding surface of the aluminum alloy piston and cylinder of the internal combustion engine and air compressors, which were obtained using a tribometer, are presented. In this way, tribological optimization should also contribute to the reduction in particulate matter emissions due to the reduction in fuel consumption, and thus emissions due to the reduction in friction, as well as the recorded reduction in the wear of materials that are in sliding contact. In this way, it contributes to the reduction in harmful gases in the air.

Determination of Vehicle Emission Rates for Ammonia and Organic Molecular Markers Using a Chassis Dynamometer

Stringent regulations have been implemented to address vehicle exhaust emissions and mitigate air pollution. However, the introduction of exhaust gas reduction devices, such as Three-Way Catalytic converters, has raised concerns about the generation and release of additional pollutants such as NH3. This study utilized a chassis dynamometer to investigate the characteristics of exhaust pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), ammonia (NH3), organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC). The emissions were examined across various vehicle fuel types, namely liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, and diesel (EURO4, EURO6), to assess their individual contributions to exhaust emissions. The results revealed significant variations in the emission levels of regulated pollutants (CO, HC, NOx, and PM) during driving, depending on factors such as engine technology, emissions control strategies, fuel type, and test cycle. Notably, NH3 emissions analysis according to driving mode indicated that gasoline vehicles exhibited the highest NH3 emissions, while diesel vehicles emitted negligible amounts. This observation can be attributed to the production of NH3 as a byproduct of catalytic reduction processes implemented by exhaust gas reduction devices targeting CO, HC, and NOx. In addition, EURO4 vehicles demonstrated higher emission levels of OC and EC compared with other fuel types. Furthermore, the presence of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) in diesel vehicles effectively reduced PM emissions. Moreover, this study investigated the emission characteristics of organic molecular markers within the organic carbon fraction, revealing distinct emission profiles for each vehicle and fuel type. These findings contribute to the identification of emission sources by discerning the primary components emitted by specific fuel types.

Relationships between ozone and particles during air pollution episodes in arid continental climate

For human health, tropospheric ozone (O3), particles (PM2.5 and PM10, particles with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 and 10 μm), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are the most harmful air pollutants. We have investigated the simultaneity of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 occurrence by using data from 21 ground-based monitoring stations in a megacity of the Middle East, Tehran (Iran), between 2011 and 2022. In Tehran, the daily PM2.5 (21–45 μg m−3), PM10 (52–108 μg m−3) and NO2 (75–146 μg m−3) mean concentrations have largely exceeded the 24-h limit value established by the 2021 World Health Organization for the protection of human health, i.e., 15, 45 and 25 μg m−3, respectively, in particular for NO2. The ground-level daily O3 concentrations ranged from 26 to 47 μg m−3. Changes in aerosols burden (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) affect surface O3 through changes in aerosol chemistry and photolysis rates. Following the dust events and for the days with PM2.5 and PM10 exceeding 50 and 100 μg m−3, respectively, we observed a reduction of surface O3 levels (- 30.0% and - 13.5%), concurrently to surface NO2 (+27.9% and +16.6%) levels increases compared to the non-dusty clear-sky days over Tehran city. Surface O3 formation is suppressed under high particulate matter (PM) levels in the atmosphere, in particular PM2.5, likely due to weakened photochemical reactions (lower solar radiation and air temperature), dilution effect, and heterogeneous chemical processes occurring onto the PM2.5 surface (reactive uptake of nitrogen oxides, NOx, and hydrogen oxide radicals, HOx). To achieve O3-PM co-improvement in cities, we recommend reductions in NOx emissions concurrently with significant reductions in PM and Volatile Organic Compounds emissions, for instance by suitable greening and re-naturing programs.

Insights into the spray impingement process from a gasoline direct injection fuel system fuelled with gasoline and ethanol

Particulate Matter (PM) emissions have a negative impact on both climate change and human health. To control PM emissions emitted by vehicles with the Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) fuel system, increasing fuel injection pressure is being developed as a practical approach. In this paper, an experimental and numerical study was presented to thoroughly explore the entire development process of gasoline and ethanol impingement spray from a GDI injector under injection pressure of 10 MPa and 50 MPa. The results demonstrate that more droplets are predicted to distribute in the splash region with the increase of injection pressure (PI) from 10 MPa to 50 MPa, which helps improve air-fuel mixing quality and reduce PM emissions. The splash probability of gasoline droplets is about two percent higher than ethanol. By increasing PI from 10 MPa to 50 MPa, droplets with higher absolute normal velocity would promote the growth of impingement spray. The probability curves of droplet diameter are more concentrated in the smaller size range. Besides, the probability of relatively large droplets of gasoline is slightly lower than that of ethanol. Regarding the fuel film distribution, more folds and bulges can be seen at the boundary of fuel film with the PI increase to 50 MPa. Meantime, the film distribution becomes more scattered, which would benefit the homogeneity of air-fuel mixture. The film distribution area and boundary irregularity of gasoline are greater than those of ethanol, further promoting a homogeneous air-fuel mixture.

Characterisation of particulates and trace metals emitted by a dimethyl ether-fuelled genset engine prototype

Diesel-fuelled CI engines are the primary sources of particulate matter (PM) emissions which harm human health and the urban environment. Elevated PM emission levels can cause respiratory diseases and deteriorate urban air quality and atmospheric visibility. DME, a carbon-neutral and oxygenated fuel, is fast merging as a strong alternative to diesel to reduce PM emissions. The absence of a direct carbon-carbon bond in the molecular structure of DME improves combustion and reduces PM emissions to negligible levels. DME and baseline diesel are experimentally evaluated in a single-cylinder CI genset engine prototype to find the particulate number-size, surface area-size and mass-size distributions. In addition, total particulate number (TPN), total particulate mass (TPM), count mean diameter (CMD) of particulates, particulate morphology and trace metals were assessed. DME genset engine emitted higher numbers of smaller diameter particles, with lower surface area and mass distribution than baseline diesel. For DME, total PM mass emission and CMD of particulates were lower due to particles being finer. Morphological analysis of particulates showed the presence of larger particles from diesel and less bunched agglomerates of nucleation mode particles from the DME genset engine prototype. The trace metal analysis of particulates showed higher presence of trace metals such as Si, Ca, and Na in DME-fuelled engine than in diesel. As an alternative to diesel, DME can reduce PM emissions from genset engines, significantly enhance urban air quality, and minimise the threat of respiratory diseases.

Diesel particulate filter regeneration mechanism of modern automobile engines and methods of reducing PM emissions: a review.

Diesel particulate filter (DPF) is considered as an effective method to control particulate matter (PM) emissions from diesel engines, which is included in the mandatory installation list by more and more national/regional laws and regulations, such as CHINA VI, Euro VI, and EPA Tier3. Due to the limited capacity of DPF to contain PM, the manufacturer introduced a method of treating deposited PM by oxidation, which is called regeneration. This paper comprehensively summarizes the most advanced regeneration technology, including filter structure, new catalyst formula, accurate soot prediction, safe and reliable regeneration strategy, uncontrolled regeneration and its control methods. In addition, due to the change of working conditions in the regeneration process, the additional emissions during regeneration are discussed in this paper. The DPF is not only the aftertreatment device but also can be combined with diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and exhaust recirculation (EGR). In addition, the impact of DPF modification on the original system of some old models has been reasonably discussed in order to achieve emission targets.

Comparative investigation on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of impingement spray of gasoline and ethanol from a GDI injector under injection pressure up to 50 MPa

Particulate Matter (PM) emissions from passenger vehicles have attracted considerable interest over the last decade. In order to reduce PM emissions, improving maximum injection pressure has been a developing trend for new generation GDI engines. However, comparing gasoline and ethanol impingement spray characteristics from a GDI injector under high injection pressure is still unclear. In this paper, a comparative investigation on both the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of impingement spray from a GDI injector fuelled with gasoline and ethanol was performed under injection pressure up to 50 MPa, providing new findings to promote a more homogeneous air–fuel mixture and reduce PM emissions. The experimental results show that under the same PI (injection pressure), rebound height of gasoline impingement spray is a bit higher than ethanol. AS (spray area) of gasoline is slightly higher than ethanol under PI=10MPa. However, under PI=30MPa and PI=50MPa, AS of gasoline is gradually exceeded by that of ethanol as time progresses. By increasing PI to 50 MPa, the difference in DN (diffusion distance of the near side) between gasoline and ethanol is greatly reduced, meantime DF (diffusion distance of the far side) becomes weaker than ethanol. For both gasoline and ethanol, with the increase PI from 10 MPa to 50 MPa, VN (average normal component of droplet velocity) and VT (average tangential component of droplet velocity) of incident droplets increase by around 1 m/s. Meantime, there is a slight decrease in the absolute value of VN and VT of reflected droplets. DSMD (Sauter mean diameter of droplets) presents a significant decreasing trend with the increase of PI. Besides, a smaller DSMD can be seen for the gasoline impingement spray compared to ethanol under the same PI.

Experimental analysis and life cycle assessment of green diesel (HVO) in dual-fuel operation with bioethanol

Renewable fuels have been used for years as an option for supplying energy demand in a sustainable manner. In terms of liquid fuels, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) gained special attention in the last few years due to its good performance in diesel engines, low emissions and renewable aspect. At the same time, bioethanol represents another renewable option for energy supply and has been consolidated in the market for decades. Even though these biofuels are assumed to be environmentally friendly, a complete understanding of their environmental impacts should take into account several indicators, applications and geographical aspects. In this sense, this study presents a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) regarding the use of petrodiesel, HVO from palm and soybean oil and bioethanol in various operating conditions in a diesel engine, for small-scale electricity generation in stationary applications. Diesel and HVO are used as pilot fuels, while bioethanol was injected in the intake port in various Energy Fraction Ratios (EF), EF = 0%; EF = 28%; EF = 32%; EF = 40%; EF = 44%, in the so-called dual-fuel mode. The results obtained with pure HVO showed reductions in specific levels of NOx, HC, CO and particulate matter (PM) emissions of 30%, 75%, 81% and 55.3%, respectively, and 4.36% efficiency when compared to diesel. The Dual-Fuel application provided a significant reduction in CO2, NOX and PM emissions, but decreased engine efficiency by up to 9.4%. The LCA showed that the palm oil HVO has an environmental performance superior to the soybean HVO and is capable of reducing the Global Warming Potential up to 75%. Palm oil HVO reduces impacts in categories such as Terrestrial Acidification, Ozone Formation and Consumption of non-renewable resources when compared to diesel. The environmental impact of the dual-fuel operation presents a decrease in the levels of Global Warming Potential, Depletion of Fossil Resources and Ozone Formation.

Modernizing cement manufacturing in China leads to substantial environmental gains

China has witnessed a construction boom and thus an enormous amount of cement use in the past decades. At the same time, cement manufacturing technology has been upgraded rapidly. Here, based on national- and provincial-level data, we adopt regression models, life cycle assessment, and scenario analyses to present the evolution and environmental impacts of cement manufacturing technologies from 1996 to 2021. We find that novel suspension preheater rotary kilns account for approximately 99% of cement production in China in 2021. Climate change and fossil depletion are identified as the key environmental burdens of cement manufacturing, whereas the reduction in particulate matter emissions appears to be the most prominent benefit of the new technology. By 2021, technology upgrades had led to a mitigation of pollution from cement manufacturing by 25% to 53%. Our findings can help inform credible pathways towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly cement industry.

Particulate matter source attribution and restaurant mitigation behavioral intentions: an application of attribution theory

PurposeAs commercial cooking is known as a source that generates great concentrations of particulate matter (PM) emissions first accumulating in kitchens before spreading to dining areas, this study aims to explore how to improve restaurants’ efforts to reduce PM emissions by the application of attribution theory.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from restaurant managers operating their business in South Korea, considered to be qualified to provide accurate information regarding the survey questions. A scenario-based experimental approach was used to test the hypothesized relationships. Cognitive and emotional risk judgements were assessed for its potential interaction effects on the relationships between restaurant perceptions of PM source attributions, preventions attitudes and mitigation behavioral intentions.FindingsResults revealed that perceptions of PM main sources were attributed to internal rather than external factors, which improved mitigation behavioral intentions. Such an effect was partially mediated through PM pollution prevention attitudes. Additionally, when applying external source attributions, PM mitigation behavioral intentions were improved by cognitive risk judgements, and PM prevention attitudes were enhanced by affective risk judgements.Research limitations/implicationsResults assist restaurants to better understand their operations that may be emitting significant levels of PM, thereby encouraging them to set more ambitious and effective PM mitigation operational guidelines for their employees and diners.Originality/valueThis study provides a fundamental baseline of management perceptions regarding PM emissions related to restaurant mitigation behavioral intentions. Results are useful in designing appropriate communication strategies addressing restaurant PM pollution issues to improve internal restaurant practices regarding clean air quality.

Effects of Ash Composition and Combustion Temperature on Reduced Particulate Matter Emission by Biomass Carbonization

Thermochemical pretreatment, including carbonization, has been suggested as a method to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions during the combustion of biomass. However, the carbonization efficiency might not be equal for all types of biomass because of composition heterogeneity and differences in combustion conditions. Therefore, an assessment of PM emission reduction by carbonization of various types of biomass at different combustion temperatures is required. In this study, seven different types of biomass (larch, poplar, miscanthus, bamboo grass, rice straw, rice husk, and dairy manure) and their biochars (prepared at 400 °C) were combusted at 650, 750, and 850 °C. The results showed that PM emission was reduced as much as 95.45% after carbonization as a result of volatile matter removal. The efficiency of PM reduction was greatest at low combustion temperatures for all feedstocks. Although the combustion temperatures did not strongly affect PM emissions from low-ash (≤ 6.7%) biomass, higher heating temperatures (≥ 750 °C) stimulated PM emissions from ash-rich rice straw and dairy manure biochar. The transformation of minerals in rice straw, rice husk, and dairy manure was also investigated at different combustion temperatures (650, 750, and 850 °C). Mineral analysis revealed that enhanced PM emission from ash-rich biochar samples was attributable to a greater concentration of Na and K, which likely resulted from melting at higher combustion temperatures. We found that carbonization can substantially reduce PM emissions for low-alkali-containing biomass and that a lower combustion temperature of biochar is preferable to suppress PM emissions for high-alkali-containing biomass. Our findings reveal a possible approach to waste-to-energy production with reduced health risks.

Analysis of the Air Quality of a District Heating System with a Biomass Plant

Heating is one of the major causes of pollution in urban areas, producing high concentrations of aero-dispersed particulate matter (PM) that can cause serious damage to the respiratory system. A possible solution is the implementation of a district heating system, which would decrease the presence of conventional heating systems, reducing PM emissions. The case study considered involves the municipality of Serra San Bruno (Italy), located near a biomass plant, which could play the role of a thermal conversion plant for a possible district heating network. To determine the heating incidence on pollution, the large users in the area were identified. The large users’ consumption estimation was carried out, obtaining the thermal energy requirement linked to the residential, which is about 3.5 times that of all the large users. Through air quality measuring devices, PM concentrations were measured for the winter and the summer period. PM emissions were then estimated using emission factors and the decreases in PM concentrations were calculated if part of the domestic users were converted to district heating, compatibly with the possibility of supplying energy to the biomass power plant. The replacement of conventional plants in favor of a district heating network has a positive impact on PM pollution.

Influence of a Novel Mixed Dialkyl Oxalate on the Combustion and Emission Characteristics of a Diesel Engine.

Oxygen-containing alternative fuels have excellent potential to improve diesel fuel economy and reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions. In this study, a novel mixed dialkyl oxalate (mDAO) as an additive was applied to substitute conventional diesel to investigate the effects of mDAO on the combustion and emission characteristics of a high-pressure common-rail diesel engine. The research conducted suggested that the peak pressure rise rate in the main injection stage and the peak in-cylinder pressure presented the rising tendency with the increased mass fraction of mDAO at most test conditions. With the addition of mDAO, the in-cylinder temperature (T) and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) were higher than that of pure diesel. When the mass fraction of mDAO in the mDAO/diesel blend was 30%, the improvement of BTE was most obvious. The ignition delay was prolonged as the mass fraction of mDAO was increased due to the lower cetane number of the mDAO. In addition, adding mDAO into diesel had an effective impact on the reduction of PM emissions, while the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions deteriorated. These results indicate that mDAO is a great potential diesel alternative fuel.

Oxygenated Diesel Fuels and Their Effect on PM Emissions

Particulate matter (PM) emitted by diesel engines is one of the most harmful components of exhaust gases, including its carcinogenic effect. Due to the widespread use of diesel engines, the health effects of PM emissions affect millions of people around the world. At the same time, diesel particulate matter is characterized by a very complicated structure and mechanisms of formation compared to other exhaust gas components. It is obvious that PM emissions should be limited by all means. This article focuses on the reduction of PM emissions with the use of oxygenated fuels. The mechanisms of oxygenated fuels influence on the soot formation process in the working process of diesel engines have been discussed. The importance of the chemical structure of oxygenated compounds for the effectiveness of PM emissions reduction was considered. The results of empirical research on the influence on PM emissions of oxygenated fuels containing 12 oxygenates from chemical groups such as glycol ethers, maleates, carbonates and butanol were analyzed. The emissions tests were undertaken on a diesel passenger car over the NEDC and FTP-75 cycles. The results showed a high potential of oxygenated fuels in PM emissions reduction, even at a low oxygenates concentration of 5% v/v; namely, PM emissions were reduced by up to 32%. According to tests results, 1% of oxygen in the fuel resulted in an average reduction of PM emissions by 7% to 10%. In the view of already limited possibilities of modifying conventional parameters of diesel fuels, the use of oxygenated compounds is a promising way to trade on the potential of fuels in PM emissions reduction.

Methods for particulate matter emission reduction from pellet boilers

Methods for particulate matter emission reduction from pellet boilers

Visualisation and Thermovision of Fuel Combustion Affecting Heat Release to Reduce NOx and PM Diesel Engine Emissions

Research was conducted on fuels with additives that selectively affect the rate of kinetic (dQk/dα) and diffusion (dQd/dα) combustion in the diesel engine cylinder. In addition to the base fuel (DFB), DFKA fuel with an additive reducing dQk/dα, DFDA fuel with an additive increasing dQd/dα, and DFS fuel with both additives were tested. The main purpose of such dQ/dα course control in the engine cylinder was to simultaneously reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), and to increase the efficiency of the combustion process. Similar to the course of the dQ/dα, the course of the combustion temperature (Tc(α)) affects the NOx produced and the number of afterburned solid particles; the influence of the fuel additives on the functional curves was analysed. In addition to analysis of the temperature Tc(α) calculated from the indicator diagrams, Tc(α) analysis was conducted using the two-colour method, which allows the analysis of the isotherm distributions locally and temporarily. The two-colour method required prior endoscopic visualisation of the fast-changing processes inside the engine cylinder. Parameters defined by pressure, temperature, heat release rate, and visualisation and thermovision in the engine cylinder (as a function of the crank angle) allowed for an in-depth cause and effect analysis. It was determined why combustion of DFS fuel with both additives produced a synergy resulting in the simultaneous reduction in NOx and PM emissions in the exhaust gas and an increase in combustion efficiency. This publication relates to the field of Mechanical Engineering.