DME as a fuel for compression ignition engines

The performance and emissions from a standard compression ignition engine fueled on dimethyl ether were compared to those of diesel fueling. It was found that both brake power and fuel conversion efficiency were higher when the engine was fueled on diesel. However, levels of emissions showed considerable improvement in both NOx and THC output, with dimethyl ether fueling. This occurred throughout the operating range of the engine. The levels of CO emissions were similar to those of diesel fueling up to about mid load, after which an increase was noted.