Investigation of Performance of Fischer-Tropsch Coal-to-Liquid Fuel, IPK, in a Common Rail Direct Injection Compression Ignition Research Engine with Varying Injection Timing

An investigation of the performance and emissions of a Fischer-Tropsch Coal-to-Liquid (CTL) Iso-Paraffinic Kerosene (IPK) was conducted using a CRDI compression ignition research engine with ULSD as a reference. Due to the low Derived Cetane Number (DCN), of IPK, an extended Ignition Delay (ID), and Combustion Delay (CD) were found for it, through experimentation in a Constant Volume Combustion Chamber (CVCC). Neat IPK was analyzed in a research engine at 4 bar Indicated Mean Effective Pressure (IMEP) at three injection timings: 15°, 20°, and 25° BTDC. Combustion phasing (CA50) was matched with ULSD at 10.8° and 16° BTDC. The IPK DCN was found to be 26, while the ULSD DCN was significantly higher at 47 in a PAC CID 510. In the engine, IPK’s DCN combined with its short physical ignition delay and long chemical ignition delay compared to ULSD, caused extended duration in Low Temperature Heat Release (LTHR) and cool flame formation. It was found in an analysis of the Apparent Heat Release Rate (AHRR) curve for IPK that there were multiple Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTCR) regions before the main combustion event. The High Temperature Heat Release (HTHR) of IPK achieved a greater peak heat release rate compared to ULSD. Pressure rise rate for IPK was observed to increase significantly with increase in injection timing. The peak in-cylinder pressure was also greater for IPK when matching CA50 by varying injection timing. Emissions analysis revealed that IPK produced less NO_x, soot, and CO₂ compared to ULSD. CO and UHC emissions for IPK increased.