Diesel/Polymethoxy Dimethyl Ether (PODE) blend fuel can significantly reduce
emissions from diesel engines. However, emission levels often vary due to high
transients during real-world driving conditions. To evaluate the emission and
economic performance of diesel/PODE blend fuel, this study analyzed the
real-world driving behavior of heavy tractors using different blend ratios (0%,
20%, 30%) across urban, suburban, and expressway road sections, in compliance
with the national VI emission standard. Based on Vehicle Specific Power (VSP)
bins, the study compared carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide,
particulate matter, and fuel consumption rates between pure diesel and blended
fuels, providing insights into their performance under varying driving
conditions. In addition, specific emissions of pollutants, effective fuel
consumption, and effective thermal efficiency for urban, suburban, and
expressway sections, as well as for the entire test process, are analyzed to
quantify the impact of PODE. The results show that adding PODE reduces CO and PN
emissions while increasing NOx emissions, with the most significant reductions
in CO and PN occurring under high power output conditions. In actual road
driving, CO and PN emissions are highest in urban sections, while NOx specific
emissions peak in expressway sections. Adding PODE increases the effective fuel
consumption rate. At a 30% blending ratio, the average effective thermal
efficiency is approximately 2% higher than that of pure diesel, with varying
effects observed at a 20% blending ratio across different sections. These
findings provide valuable insights for the further development of diesel/PODE
blends and their application in heavy-duty engines by manufacturers.