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Comparative analysis of combustion and emission characteristics of diesel/alcohol dual-fuel in a pressure-difference controlled same needle injector system with synergistic EGR optimization

Author

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  • Tian, Zhi
  • Feng, Xupeng
  • Wang, Yang
  • Zhen, Xudong
  • Li, Xiaoyan

Abstract

This study employs experimental and simulation methods to investigate a same-needle diesel-alcohol dual-fuel injector system based on pressure difference (ΔP) control. Under a 70 % load operating condition, a comparative analysis is conducted on the combustion and emission characteristics of three dual-fuel modes (diesel-methanol/ethanol/N-butanol (DMDF, DEDF, and DNDF)) and diesel in combination with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The results indicated that as the alcohol substitution ratio decreased (increased ΔP), CA10 occurred earlier, the combustion duration was prolonged. Among the four modes evaluated, the DMDF mode demonstrated the highest brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and the most significant emission reduction capabilities. Specifically, compared to conventional diesel operation, the BTE was improved by up to 9.77 %. Additionally, emissions of NOx and soot were significantly reduced by a maximum of 70.98 % and 99.7 %, respectively. These benefits are mainly due to methanol’s high oxygen content, rapid combustion rate, and substantial evaporative cooling effect, which together enhance combustion completeness and suppress pollutant formation. Moreover, the combination of DMDF and EGR effectively alleviated the NOx-soot trade-off. The study demonstrates that DMDF with the dual-fuel injector and EGR offers a highly promising pathway toward achieving high-efficiency, ultra-low emission engines applicable to transportation sectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Tian, Zhi & Feng, Xupeng & Wang, Yang & Zhen, Xudong & Li, Xiaoyan, 2025. "Comparative analysis of combustion and emission characteristics of diesel/alcohol dual-fuel in a pressure-difference controlled same needle injector system with synergistic EGR optimization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:337:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225043051
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138663
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