Comparing the Performance and Emission Characteristics of the Emulsified Fuel in DI Diesel Engine for Different Injection Pressures

Diesel engines are employed as the major propulsion power sources because of their simple, rigid structure and high fuel economy. It is expected that diesel engines will be widely used in the foreseeable future. However, the increase in the use of diesel engines causes the shortage of fossil fuel and results in a greater degree of pollution. To regulate the above, identifying an alternate fuel to the diesel engine with less pollution is essential. Ethanol - diesel emulsion is one of the methods, which is used for the preparation of the alternate fuel to the diesel engine. Experimental investigations have been carried out for comparing the performance of the diesel fuel with different ratios 50D: 50E (50% diesel No:2: 50 % ethanol -100 % proof) and 60D: 40E emulsified fuels. In the next phase, experiments have been conducted for the selected emulsified fuel ratio 50D: 50E for different high injection pressures (Valve Opening Pressure -VOP) and the results are compared. The result shows that for the emulsified fuel ratios, there is a marginal increase in torque, power, NOx emissions and decreasing values of CO, SO₂ emissions at the maximum speed conditions, comparing with diesel fuel. Also, it is found that increase in injection pressure (VOP) of the engine running with emulsified fuel decreases CO and smoke emissions especially between 1500 to 2000 rev/min with respect to the diesel fuel.