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U.S. Department of Energy
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Survey of proposed methods of burning alcohol in diesel engines

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6200342
Different methods of burning alcohol in diesel engines are discussed. The primary difficulty in usng alcohol as a diesel fuel is initiation of the flame. The methods are categorized by the ignition technique used; spark or hot surface, pilot injection which includes twin injection and fumigation, cetane improvement and diesel/alcohol mixtures. Each method is analyzed on the basis of the maximum amount of alcohol that can be substituted for diesel fuel and the likelihood for retrofitting on current engines. It is concluded that emulsification and fumigation are currently the two most feasible methods for adapting diesel engines to burn alcohol.
Research Organization:
Wisconsin Univ., Madison (USA). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-79CS50025
OSTI ID:
6200342
Report Number(s):
CONF-8006185-1; ON: DE81025834
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English