Emulsion fuel with novel nano-organic additives for diesel engine application

• Published in: Fuel (Guildford) 2013-02, Vol.104, p.726-731
• Main Authors: Yang, W.M., An, H., Chou, S.K., Vedharaji, S., Vallinagam, R., Balaji, M., Mohammad, F.E.A., Chua, K.J.E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Combustion; Diesel; Diesel engines; Droplets; Emulsion fuel; Emulsions; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Engines and turbines; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; Nano-organic additives; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure
• ISSN: 0016-2361; 1873-7153
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2012.04.051

► A novel emulsion fuel with nano-organic additives is introduced in this work. ► The brake thermal efficiency of the engine can be improved by 14.2%. ► The NOx emissions can be reduced by 30.6%. A novel emulsion fuel with nano-organic additives is introduced in this work. Unlike other emulsion fuels (opaque and milky in color) developed around the world, it is transparent and light green with superior stability. The performance and emissions of the emulsion fuel in a diesel engine with common-rail fuel supply system are tested and compared with pure diesel. The results indicate that the micro-explosion phenomenon of the nano-sized water droplets in the emulsion fuel can accelerate fuel evaporation and its mixing process with air, reducing the overall combustion duration. When 10% emulsion fuel was used, the brake thermal efficiency of the engine was significantly improved by 14.2% compared to pure diesel, and the NOx emissions was also reduced by 30.6%.