A novel approach to enhance the combustion quality of C5 alcohol with 2-Ethylhexyl nitrate as a cetane enhancer in common rail direct ignition diesel engine

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to explore the effect of 1-Pentanol and 2-Ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN), on the characteristics of a common rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engine. The major feedstock for the production of 1-pentanol (bio-alcohol) is non food biomass waste. The conversion of waste biomass into useful energy contributes to the cleaner production of fuel and its utilization. The trial was conducted in a 2-cylinder CRDI test rig. The engine was fuelled with diesel, 40P60D (40% 1-Pentanol & 60% diesel v/v) and then 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm of 2-EHN was doped to 40P60D. The addition of 1-Pentnaol showed a slight negative effect on combustion at low and medium loads. Furthermore, an extension in the delay period (DP) and combustion duration (CD) was seen for 1-Pentanol blend. The doping of 2-EHN, enhances the cetane count and leads to improvement in the combustion parameters and a reduction in DP and CD was noted. The 1000 ppm of 2-EHN doped blend showed 8.7% of higher BTE and 8.61% lower BSEC compared to 40P60D, also 1.89% and 50% lower HC and CO at 80% load and 36.9% lower NO at 60% load in contrast to diesel. Among all the concentrations 1000 ppm of 2-EHN showed satisfactory results. It is concluded that 40% of 1-Pentanol with 1000 ppm of 2-EHN can be used as an alternative fuel to pure diesel without compromising in performance of the engine. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd