Ignition Delay Evaluation of Ethanol Blends in Compression Ignition Engines

Currently, several studies are being carried out to replace diesel oil with alternative fuels in compression ignition engines. Ethanol is a strong candidate, thanks to its extensive feedstock, low emissions and low cost. Although it also has easy adaptability to engine technologies, there are some difficulties that need to be eliminated regarding its direct use in compression ignition engines (diesel cycle). The present work aims to evaluate the ignition delay of ethanol/peg 600 blends in a four-stroke compression-ignition engine, in relation to maximum pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise under different experimental conditions. Parameters such as engine speed, load and compression ratio, in addition to fuel injection advance and percentage of additive were analyzed. For this study, a code was developed in Matlab computer software capable of analyze data collected through Indicon-AVL, to tests carried out at the Institute of Mobility and Sustainable Energy (IMES - PUC-Rio). From the data generated, it was possible to prove that the use of ethanol additive can be carried out with some modifications in the diesel engine, but adjusting the parameters mentioned above is essential to optimize the combustion process.