Study on Methyl 2-Ethoxyethyl Carbonate Used as an Oxygenated Diesel Fuel

In this study, by introducing an ether group into DMC molecule, a novel oxygenate of methyl 2-ethoxyethyl carbonate(MEEC) was created as a new kind of oxygenated diesel fuel. Its effects at different content levels in diesel fuel on engine-out emissions, power output, fuel economy and energy consumption were assessed on a selected single cylinder, DI diesel engine. The results showed that MEEC can considerably reduce exhaust emissions. Under full-load conditions, CO can be lessened by 29.2% to 40.5%, smoke lessened by 0.3 to 0.5 BSU when diesel fuel is doped with 25% by volume of the oxygenate. NOx can be lessened by 15.9% to the maximum when adding 15% of MEEC by volume. Under partial-load conditions at a speed of 2000 rpm, CO can be decreased by 46.7% to 69.4%, smoke decreased by 50% to the maximum when diesel fuel is doped with 25% by volume, and NOx can be decreased by up to 22.8% when adding 15% by volume of it. HC increases substantially under both full-load and partial-load conditions, but it is not an essential factor that needs to take into consideration due to its much low level. Engine power does not change noticeably. BSFC increases by 2.5% to 5.5% when adding 25% volumetrically of the substance, however BSEC decreases about 10% with its dosage of 20% by volume. Viscosity decreases and smoke point increases after MEEC is added to diesel fuel, which partially leads to improved atomization and uneasy smoke formation.