The Introduction of Alternative Fuels for Conventional Diesel Engines

Combined spark-ignition fuel/Diesel fuel operation in Diesel engines is possible if the former fuel is fed into the intake manifold and combustion itself is introduced through direct injection of Diesel fuel into the combustion chamber. The investigation sought to define the limits of partial spark-ignition fuel operation when used in conjunction with a STEYR central-spin combustion system; performance and exhaust characteristics were of particular interest.

Experimental results showed that the proportion of methanol to Diesel fuel dropped with decreasing engine loading and had to be eliminated totally at low loading; a similar relation was determined between methanol proportion and engine speed. Engine performance was best at high RPM. CO, CH, and other undesirable emissions were worse when spark-ignition fuel of any kind was added. Methanol's beneficial effect on carbon deposits was noted. Combustion rates, operations, and peak pressures are compared between methanol, gasoline, and Diesel fuel introduction into the intake manifold