Submit to Energies Review for Energies Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Related Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A5: Hydrogen Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2021) | Viewed by 24337

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sławomir Wierzbicki

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 46 A, Słoneczna St., 10-710 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: liquid and gaseous fuels for internal combustion engines; alternative fuels; combustion engines; control algorithms for combustion engines; engine diagnostics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Maciej Mikulski

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

School of Technology and Innovation, Energy Technology, University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 34, FI-65200 Vaasa, Finland
Interests: alternative fuels; internal combustion engines; combustion modeling; combustion control; novel combustion concepts; control-oriented engine models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Kamil Duda

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 46 A, Słoneczna St., 10-710 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: alternative fuels production; alternative fuels quality; liquid biofuels; compression ignition engines; exhaust emission; engine performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The last decade has seen a stunning increase in the production of renewable fuels, growing at an average rate of 8% per year. However, this growth is only enough to cover half of the global increase in energy demand. Coupled with this growth in energy demand, combustion engines seem set to remain the prime mover for heavy-duty road and waterborne transport. Furthermore, their role in power generation, as fast-response peakers for wind and solar-based future energetics, constantly increases.

Taking into account the above situation and the CO2 reduction targets of the 2015 Paris Agreement there is an immediate need for high-TRL renewable fuels that can be used in combustion engine technology. This development needs to be accompanied by intensified combustion research, exploring the full potential of new fuels in terms of efficiency and emission co-optimization. At the same, the fast phasing-in of renewable fuels requires efficient production methods and price-competitive feedstock. Finally, researchers, investors, legislators, and society need to have open access to well-organized, up-to-date, and relevant developments in the above fields in order to support the necessary transition of the fuel market.

This need for systematization and open dissemination of knowledge on Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines forms the premise of the present Special Issue in Energy. Experts in the field are encouraged to share their latest findings in the form of original research papers, case studies, or short reviews. Works targeting all aspects of the value chain are considered necessary; including the following: (liquid and gaseous) fuel production process, upgrading (catalytic and fractional - blending), up to end valorization in combustion engines (conventional and advanced concepts). Finally, techno-economic analysis aiming to valorize the value chain holistically are warmly encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Sławomir Wierzbicki
Prof. Dr. Maciej Mikulski
Dr. Kamil Duda
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Alternative fuels for internal combustion engines
fuel injection modes
steady and transient operation
combustion control
combustion modeling
innovative combustion concepts
engine performance
engine thermodynamics
emission characteristics
impact of biofuels for engine components degradation
biofuels blending
biofuel quality examination
additives for alternative fuels biofuel production techniques
biofuel feedstock diversification
economy of biofuel use

Related Special Issue

Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines: 2nd Edition in Energies (2 articles)

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 174 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines

by Sławomir Wierzbicki, Kamil Duda and Maciej Mikulski

Energies 2021, 14(22), 7715; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14227715 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1679

Abstract

The continuous need for systematization and open dissemination of knowledge on Renewable Fuels intended for use in Internal Combustion Engines forms the premise of the presented Special Issue titled “Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion”. Experts in the field were encouraged to share their latest findings in the form of original research papers, case studies, or short reviews. Works targeting all aspects of the value chain were considered necessary, including the following: (liquid and gaseous) fuel production process, upgrading (catalytic and fractional blending), up to end, valorization in combustion engines (conventional and advanced concepts). Finally, techno-economic analyses aiming to valorize the value chain holistically were warmly encouraged to submit papers in this Special Issue of the Energies Journal. In this book, the reader will find successful submissions that present the latest findings from the discussed research field, encapsulated into nine chapters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

18 pages, 6802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of LPG and DME Composition on Spark Ignition Engine Performance

by Paweł Fabiś and Bartosz Flekiewicz

Energies 2021, 14(17), 5583; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175583 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2254

Abstract

This article presents a detailed analysis of the potential of dimethyl ether (DME) fuel applications in SI engines. This paper presents the tests results completed on an 1.6-dm³ Opel Astra engine fueled by gaseous fuel as a mixture of LPG and DME. Dimethyl ether is a fuel with properties similar to liquid LPG fuel. In addition, DME is very well miscible with LPG, hence the possibility of creating a mixture with any DME divisions. The assessment of the possibility of using DME as a component of the mixture was carried out with the use of a chassis dynamometer and equipment, enabling an analysis of the changes taking place inside the cylinder. The results of the analyses are the parameters of the thermodynamic processes describing changes in the engine cylinder. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 53953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Gas Composition of a Diesel Engine Powered by Biodiesel from Waste of Animal Origin

by Dariusz Kurczyński, Grzegorz Wcisło and Piotr Łagowski

Energies 2021, 14(12), 3472; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14123472 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2308

Abstract

The use of biofuel is one method for limiting the harmful impact of diesel engines on the environment. It is also a way of gradually becoming less dependent on the depleting petroleum resources. New resources for producing biodiesel are currently being sought. The authors produced esters from animal fat waste, obtaining a fuel that can power diesel engines and identifying a way to utilise unnecessary waste. The animal fat methyl ester (AME) was produced using a reactor constructed for non-industrial ester production. The aim underlying this paper was to determine whether a diesel engine can be fuelled with AME biodiesel and to test this fuel’s impact on exhaust gas composition and fuel consumption. Fuelling a Perkins 1104D-44TA engine with AME biodiesel led to a reduction in the smoke opacity of the exhaust gas as well as in carbohydrate, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide concentrations. The carbon dioxide concentrations were similar for biodiesel and diesel fuel. Slight increases in nitrogen oxides concentrations and brake-specific fuel consumption were found for AMEs. An engine can be fuelled with AME biodiesel, but it is necessary to improve its low-temperature properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research of Parameters of a Compression Ignition Engine Using Various Fuel Mixtures of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Fatty Acid Esters (FAE)

by Oleksandra Shepel, Jonas Matijošius, Alfredas Rimkus, Kamil Duda and Maciej Mikulski

Energies 2021, 14(11), 3077; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113077 - 25 May 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2367

Abstract

The present study is aimed at studying the energy and environmental performance at various engine loads (BMEP) with identical start of injection (SOI) for all fuel types. The combustion parameters for the fuel mixtures were analyzed using the AVL BOOST software (BURN subroutine). Five different blends were tested, consisting completely of renewable raw materials based on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and fatty acid methyl ester (FE100), and the properties of diesel fuel (D) were compared with respect to these blends. The mixtures were mixed in the following proportions: FE25 (FE25HVO75), FE50 (FE50HVO50), FE75 (FE75HVO25). In this study, diesel exhaust was found to produce higher NO_x values compared to FE blends, with HVO being the lowest. Hydrocarbon and smoke emissions were also significantly lower for blends than for diesel. Possible explanations are the physical properties and fatty acid composition of fuel mixtures, affecting injection and further combustion. The results showed that blends containing more unsaturated fatty acids release more nitrogen oxides, thus having a lower thermal efficiency compared to HVO. No essential differences in CO emissions between D and HVO were observed. An increase in this indicator was observed at low loads for mixtures with ester. CO₂ was reduced in emissions for HVO compared to the aforementioned blends and diesel. The results of the combustion analysis show that with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, mixtures have a longer combustion time than diesel fuel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Influence of Cetane Improver Additives on the Outcomes of a Diesel Engine Characteristics Fueled with Peppermint Oil Diesel Blend

by Purushothaman Paneerselvam, Gnanamoorthi Venkadesan, Mebin Samuel Panithasan, Gurusamy Alaganathan, Sławomir Wierzbicki and Maciej Mikulski

Energies 2021, 14(10), 2786; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14102786 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2446

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of cetane improvers on the combustion, performance and emission characteristics of a compression ignition engine fueled with a 20% peppermint bio-oil/diesel blend (P20). It is hypothesized that the low viscosity and boiling point of peppermint oil could improve the atomization characteristics of the fuel. However, the usage of peppermint oil is restricted due to its low cetane index. To improve this, Diethyl Ether (DEE) and Di- tertiary Butyl Peroxide (DTBP) are added to the P20 blend. The tests are performed in a single-cylinder naturally aspirated water-cooled diesel engine and results indicate that NOx emission for P20 + DEE and P20 + DTBP is decreased by 10.4% and 9.8%, respectively, when compared to P20 at full load condition. Among these two cetane improvers, DTBP is more effective in reducing the CO, HC and smoke emission and the performance of the engine was reported to be higher for P20 + DTBP blends. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 13365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Synergy of Two Biofuel Additives on Combustion Process to Simultaneously Reduce NOx and PM Emissions

by Jerzy Cisek, Szymon Lesniak, Winicjusz Stanik and Włodzimierz Przybylski

Energies 2021, 14(10), 2784; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14102784 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2170

Abstract

The article presents the results of research on the influence of two fuel additives that selectively affect the combustion process in a diesel engine cylinder. The addition of NitrON^® reduces the concentration of nitrogen oxides (NO_x), due to a reduction in the kinetic combustion rate, at the cost of a slight increase in the concentration of particulate matter (PM) in the engine exhaust gas. The Reduxco^® additive reduces PM emissions by increasing the diffusion combustion rate, while slightly increasing the NO_x concentration in the engine exhaust gas. Research conducted by the authors confirmed that the simultaneous use of both of these additives in the fuel not only reduced both NO_x and PM emissions in the exhaust gas but additionally the reduction of NO_x and PM emissions was greater than the sum of the effects of these additives—the synergy effect. Findings indicated that the waveforms of the heat release rate (dQ/dα) responsible for the emission of NO_x and PM in the exhaust gas differed for the four tested fuels in relation to the maximum value (selectively and independently in the kinetic and diffusion stage), and they were also phase shifted. Due to this, the heat release process Q(α) was characterized by a lower amount of heat released in the kinetic phase compared to fuel with NitrON^® only and a greater amount of heat released in the diffusion phase compared to fuel with Reduxco^® alone, which explained the lowest NO_x and PM emissions in the exhaust gas at that time. For example for the NOx concentration in the engine exhaust: the Nitrocet^® fuel additive (in the used amount of 1500 ppm) reduces the NOx concentration in the exhaust gas by 18% compared to the base fuel. The addition of a Reduxco^® catalyst to the fuel (1500 ppm) unfortunately increases the NO_x concentration by up to 20%. On the other hand, the combustion of the complete tested fuel, containing both additives simultaneously, is characterized, thanks to the synergy effect, by the lowest NO_x concentration (reduction by 22% in relation to the base). For example for PM emissions: the Nitrocet^® fuel additive does not significantly affect the PM emissions in the engine exhaust (up to a few per cent compared to the base fuel). The addition of a Reduxco^® catalyst to the fuel greatly reduces PM emissions in the engine exhaust, up to 35% compared to the base fuel. On the other hand, the combustion of the complete tested fuel containing both additives simultaneously is characterized by the synergy effect with the lowest PM emission (reduction of 39% compared to the base fuel). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combustion Thermodynamics of Ethanol, n-Heptane, and n-Butanol in a Rapid Compression Machine with a Dual Direct Injection (DDI) Supply System

by Ireneusz Pielecha, Sławomir Wierzbicki, Maciej Sidorowicz and Dariusz Pietras

Energies 2021, 14(9), 2729; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14092729 - 10 May 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2557

Abstract

The development of internal combustion engines involves various new solutions, one of which is the use of dual-fuel systems. The diversity of technological solutions being developed determines the efficiency of such systems, as well as the possibility of reducing the emission of carbon dioxide and exhaust components into the atmosphere. An innovative double direct injection system was used as a method for forming a mixture in the combustion chamber. The tests were carried out with the use of gasoline, ethanol, n-heptane, and n-butanol during combustion in a model test engine—the rapid compression machine (RCM). The analyzed combustion process indicators included the cylinder pressure, pressure increase rate, heat release rate, and heat release value. Optical tests of the combustion process made it possible to analyze the flame development in the observed area of the combustion chamber. The conducted research and analyses resulted in the observation that it is possible to control the excess air ratio in the direct vicinity of the spark plug just before ignition. Such possibilities occur as a result of the properties of the injected fuels, which include different amounts of air required for their stoichiometric combustion. The studies of the combustion process have shown that the combustible mixtures consisting of gasoline with another fuel are characterized by greater combustion efficiency than the mixtures composed of only a single fuel type, and that the influence of the type of fuel used is significant for the combustion process and its indicator values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increasing Parameters of Diesel Engines by Their Transformation for Methanol Conversion Products

by Sviatoslav Kryshtopa, Krzysztof Górski, Rafał Longwic, Ruslans Smigins and Liudmyla Kryshtopa

Energies 2021, 14(6), 1710; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14061710 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1782

Abstract

The work is aimed at solving the problem of converting existing diesel power drives to gas fuels, which are cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternatives to diesel fuel. Method of energy efficiency increasing of alternative fuels has been improved. Thermochemical essence of energy increasing of source fuel based on the provisions of thermodynamics is considered. Alternative methanol fuel has been chosen as initial product for conversion process and its cost, energy value, and temperature conditions have been taken into account. Calculations showed that the thermal effect from combustion of the converted mixture of CO and H₂ exceeds the effect from combustion of the same amount of non-convertible methanol. Fuel energy and engine power were increased due to thermochemical regeneration of exhaust gas heat. An experimental setup was created to study the operation of a converted diesel engine on methanol conversion products. Experimental studies of power, economic, and environmental parameters of converted diesel engine for methanol conversion products were performed. Experimental studies have shown that conversion of diesel engines to work using methanol conversion products is technically reasonable. Fuel consumption reduction was accompanied by environmental performance improvement of the diesel engine working together with a thermochemical methanol conversion reactor. Formation of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases decreased in the range of 22–35%, and carbon monoxide occurred in the range of 0–24% according to the crankshaft speed and loading on the engine. Conversion of diesel engines for methanol conversion products is very profitable, because the price of methanol is, on average, 10–20% of the cost of diesel fuel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Physico-Chemical Properties of Diethyl Ether/Linseed Oil Blends for the Use as Fuel in Diesel Engines

by Krzysztof Górski, Ruslans Smigins and Rafał Longwic

Energies 2020, 13(24), 6564; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13246564 - 12 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2150

Abstract

Physico-chemical properties of diethyl ether/linseed oil (DEE/LO) fuel blends were empirically tested in this article for the first time. In particular, kinematic viscosity (ν), density (ρ), lower heating value (LHV), cold filter plugging point (CFPP) and surface tension (σ) were examined. For this research diethyl ether (DEE) was blended with linseed oil (LO) in volumetric ratios of 10%, 20% and 30%. Obtained results were compared with literature data of diethyl ether/rapeseed oil (DEE/RO) fuel blends get in previous research in such a way looking on differences also between oil types. It was found that DEE impacts significantly on the reduction of plant oil viscosity, density and surface tension and improve low temperature properties of tested oils. In particular, the addition of 10% DEE to LO effectively reduces its kinematic viscosity by 53% and even by 82% for the blend containing 30% DEE. Tested ether reduces density and surface tension of LO up to 6% and 25% respectively for the blends containing 30% DEE. The measurements of the CFPP showed that DEE significantly improves the low temperature properties of LO. In the case of the blend containing 30% DEE the CFPP can be lowered up to −24 °C. For this reason DEE/LO blends seem to be valuable as a fuel for diesel engines in the coldest season of the year. Moreover, DEE/LO blends have been tested in the engine research. Based on results it can be stated that the engine operated with LO results in worse performance compared with regular diesel fuel (DF). However, it was found that these disadvantages could be reduced with DEE as a component of the fuel mixture. Addition of this ether to LO improves the quality of obtained fuel blends. For this reason, the efficiency of DEE/LO blend combustion process is similar for the engine fuelled with regular diesel fuel. In this research it was confirmed that the smoke opacity reaches the highest value for the engine fuelled with plant oils. However, addition of 20% DEE reduces this emission to the value comparable for the engine operated with diesel fuel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

39 pages, 10454 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Low-CO₂ Emission Fuels for a Dual-Fuel RCCI Engine

by Mirosław Karczewski, Janusz Chojnowski and Grzegorz Szamrej

Energies 2021, 14(16), 5067; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14165067 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 3263

Abstract

This article discusses the problems of exhaust gas emissions in the context of the possibility of their reduction through the use of fuels with hydrogen as an additive or hydrotreatment. These fuels, thanks to their properties, may be a suitable response to more and more demanding restrictions on exhaust emissions. The use of such fuels in reactivity controlled dual fuel engines (RCCI) is currently the most effective way of using them in internal combustion (IC) engines. Low-temperature combustion in this type of engine allows the use of all modern fuels intended for combustion engines with high thermal efficiency. Thermal efficiency higher than in classic engines allows for additional reduction of CO₂ emissions. In this work, the research on this subject was compiled, and conclusions were drawn as to further possibilities of popularizing the use of these fuels in a wide spectrum of applications and the prospect of using them on a mass scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI