Performance, combustion and emissions of a diesel engine operated with reformed EGR. Comparison of diesel and GTL fuelling

A Abu-Jrai, Jose Rodriguez-Fernandez, Athanasios Tsolakis, A Megaritis, Kampanart Theinnoi, RF Cracknell, RH Clark

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

86 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this work, the effects of a standard ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) fuel and a new, ultra-clean synthetic GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuel on the performance, combustion and emissions of a single-cylinder, direct injection, diesel engine were studied under different operating conditions with addition of simulated reformer product gas, referred to as reformed EGR (REGR). For this purpose various levels of REGR of two different compositions were tested. Tests with standard EGR were also carried out for comparison. Experiments were performed at four steady state operating conditions and the brake thermal efficiency, combustion process and engine emission data are presented and discussed. In general, GTL fuel resulted in a higher brake thermal efficiency compared to ULSD but the differences depended on the engine condition and EGR/REGR level and composition. The combustion pattern was significantly modified when the REGR level was increased. Although the extent of the effects of REGR on emissions depended on the engine load, it can be generally concluded that an optimal combination of GTL and REGR significantly improved both NO, and smoke emissions. In some cases, NO, and smoke emission reductions of 75% and 60%, respectively, were achieved compared to operation with ULSD without REGR. This offers a great potential for engine manufacturers to meet the requirements of future emission regulations. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1031-1041
Number of pages11
JournalFuel
Volume88
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2009

Keywords

  • Gas-to-liquid fuel
  • Premixed combustion
  • Reformed EGR
  • Emissions
  • Diesel

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