Fleet Test, Performance and Emissions of Diesel Engines Using Different Alcohol-Diesel Fuel Blends

A standard Volkswagen 4-cylinder swirl-chamber Diesel engine was used to test the performance of alcohol-Diesel fuel blends, the alcohols involved being ethanol and methanol. The fuels had a content of oxygenate components of about 30% by volume. A solubilizer was added to prevent phase separation. The blend remained stable down to −20°C. The Diesel fuel used in the blend had a low cloud point and CFPP rating.

At the Volkswagen research test facility, the fuel blends were tested for performance, exhaust emissions and fuel economy.

In order to obtain detailed information on customer acceptance the alcohol-Diesel fuel blends are now being tested in a fleet of 30 Bundespost vehicles in the Ruhr region. The article discusses customer response, vehicle performance and wear.