Investigation of the Emission Reduction Potential of HVO-OME Fuel Blends in a Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine

The aim of current research on internal combustion engines is to further reduce exhaust gas pollutant emissions while simultaneously lowering carbon dioxide emissions in order to limit the greenhouse effect. Due to the restricted potential for reducing CO₂ (carbon dioxide) emissions when using fossil fuels, an extensive defossilisation of the transport sector is necessary. Investigations of future propulsion systems should therefore not focus solely on further development of the prime mover, but also on the energy carrier which is used. In this context, fuels from renewable energy sources are of particular interest, e.g. paraffinic diesel fuels such as hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) or potentially entirely synthetic fuels like POMDME (polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether, short: OME) as well as blends of such fuels. If renewable energy is used for fuel production, the current disadvantage of fossil energy carriers regarding CO₂ production is eliminated, while at the same time further advantages can be exploited through lower pollutant emissions compared to conventional fuels. As an example, soot emissions can be significantly reduced with both of the above-mentioned alternative fuels in comparison to diesel. When using OME without additional blend components, the soot-NOx (nitrogen oxides) trade-off is no longer relevant as combustion is almost soot free.

However, further research and development is required, particularly with regard to the identification of suitable fuels (e.g. concerning emission reduction potential, suitability as a fuel for mobile applications and availability) and with respect to the optimization of the combustion process for the corresponding fuels. Within the framework of a joint funded project, OME and blends of HVO and OME are investigated in a single-cylinder research engine. The different fuel blend combinations are systematically compared with respect to the experimental results, and the most promising combinations for an ultra-low emission concept based on such fuel blends will be determined.