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Dual-fuel combustion analysis of HVO and biogas in internal combustion engines: A CFD approach with experimental validation

Author

Listed:
  • Frez, G.V.
  • de Souza, T.A.Z.
  • Pinto, G.M.
  • da Costa, R.B.R.
  • Roque, L.F.A.
  • Coronado, C.J.R.
  • Dias, F.L.G.
  • de Andrade, J.C.

Abstract

Amid increasing interest in renewable alternatives for compression ignition (CI) engines, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) has emerged as a promising substitute for fossil diesel. Simultaneously, biogas presents a low-cost, renewable option for dual-fuel operation. This study employs a CFD methodology, with experimental validation, to assess the use of HVO and HVO + Biogas in a single-cylinder diesel engine under partial load. CFD simulations accurately reproduced pressure and heat release trends, confirming the model's reliability. Neat HVO combustion showed delayed ignition, reduced peak pressure, and smoother heat release, leading to 9.0 % lower NOx, 38.7 % lower CO emissions, and slightly higher combustion efficiency, with negligible change in unburned hydrocarbons (UHC). Incorporating biogas further delayed combustion and reduced efficiency, while increasing CO2 (up to 12.4 %), CO (up to 226.4 %), and UHC (up to 902 %). However, HVO-biogas operation achieved the lowest NOx emissions across all tested cases up to 25.7 % reduction. These findings highlight the potential of HVO to enhance the environmental performance in existing diesel engines and demonstrate its compatibility with biogas, offering a promising pathway for reducing fossil fuel dependence and meeting emissions regulations through practical dual-fuel strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Frez, G.V. & de Souza, T.A.Z. & Pinto, G.M. & da Costa, R.B.R. & Roque, L.F.A. & Coronado, C.J.R. & Dias, F.L.G. & de Andrade, J.C., 2025. "Dual-fuel combustion analysis of HVO and biogas in internal combustion engines: A CFD approach with experimental validation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:337:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225042276
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138585
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Roberta De Robbio & Maria Cristina Cameretti & Ezio Mancaruso & Raffaele Tuccillo & Bianca Maria Vaglieco, 2021. "CFD Study and Experimental Validation of a Dual Fuel Engine: Effect of Engine Speed," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-24, July.
    2. Bortel, Ivan & Vávra, Jiří & Takáts, Michal, 2019. "Effect of HVO fuel mixtures on emissions and performance of a passenger car size diesel engine," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 680-691.
    3. Rimkus, Alfredas & Stravinskas, Saulius & Matijošius, Jonas & Hunicz, Jacek, 2024. "Effects of different gas energy shares on combustion and emission characteristics of compression ignition engine fueled with dual-fossil fuel and dual-biofuel," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    4. de Souza, T.A.Z. & Pinto, G.M. & Julio, A.A.V. & Coronado, C.J.R. & Perez-Herrera, R. & Siqueira, B.O.P.S. & da Costa, R.B.R. & Roberts, J.J. & Palacio, J.C.E., 2022. "Biodiesel in South American countries: A review on policies, stages of development and imminent competition with hydrotreated vegetable oil," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    5. Maria Cristina Cameretti & Roberta De Robbio & Marco Palomba, 2023. "Numerical Analysis of Dual Fuel Combustion in a Medium Speed Marine Engine Supplied with Methane/Hydrogen Blends," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-22, September.
    6. Pinto, G.M. & da Costa, R.B.R. & de Souza, T.A.Z. & Rosa, A.J.A.C. & Raats, O.O. & Roque, L.F.A. & Frez, G.V. & Coronado, C.J.R., 2023. "Experimental investigation of performance and emissions of a CI engine operating with HVO and farnesane in dual-fuel mode with natural gas and biogas," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
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