Emission benefits from the use of n-butanol blends in a Euro 6 diesel engine. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lapuerta, Magín; Hernández, Juan José; Rodríguez-Fernández, José; Barba, Javier; Ramos, Angel; Fernández-Rodríguez, David
• Is Part Of: International journal of engine research. Volume 19:Number 10(2018)
• Page Start: 1099
• Page End: 1112
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Diesel engine -- n-butanol -- particle emissions -- aftertreatment -- driving cycle; Engines -- Periodicals; 629.25
• DOI: 10.1177/1468087417742578
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-0874

Abstract

Tests with diesel/n-butanol blends (up to 20% by volume) were carried out in a Euro 6 engine following the New European Driving Cycle in a test bench. No decrease in engine efficiency was observed when n-butanol is used and fuel consumption increased proportionally to its lower heating value. Regarding emissions, total hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide increased when n-butanol is used. On the other hand, the use of n-butanol reduces the particle emissions down to a minimum value (for around 16% of n-butanol content) and then increases particle emissions again. This was observed in both mass and particle number. This trend occurs as a consequence of the compromise between the increase in oxygen content, which inhibits soot formation, and the increase in hydrocarbon emissions, especially under cold-engine conditions, which promotes liquid nucleation. Finally, NOX emissions remained unchanged as a consequence of the compensation between larger ignition delays and shorter combustion durations.