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Experimental Investigation of Methyl Ester–Ethanol Blends as a Sustainable Biofuel Alternative for Heavy Duty Engines

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Fratita

    (Faculty of Engineering, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 47 Domneasca, 800008 Galati, Romania)

  • Robert-Madalin Chivu

    (Faculty of Engineering, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 47 Domneasca, 800008 Galati, Romania)

  • Eugen Rusu

    (Faculty of Engineering, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 47 Domneasca, 800008 Galati, Romania)

  • Gabriel Bogdan Carp

    (Faculty of Engineering, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 47 Domneasca, 800008 Galati, Romania)

  • Ion Ion

    (Faculty of Engineering, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 47 Domneasca, 800008 Galati, Romania)

  • Francisco P. Brito

    (Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center (MEtRICs), Mechanical Engineering Department, Campus of Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal)

Abstract

Agriculture may hold the key to a sustainable future. By efficiently capturing atmospheric CO 2 , we can simultaneously produce food, feed, biomass, and biofuels. For more eco-friendly soil processing practices, biofuels can replace diesel in agricultural machinery, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of crop production. Thus, biofuel production can be a sustainable solution for a future with a decreasing carbon footprint. This paper examines the possibility of replacing petroleum-based fuels with 100% biofuels to continue powering heavy-duty vehicles, where the use of electric vehicles is not the optimal solution. This study particularly focused on the operating scenario of heavy-duty engines under medium to high loads, typical of transport or soil processing in agriculture. Diesel was used as a benchmark, and each alternative, such as vegetable oil, methyl ester (B100), and methyl ester–ethanol blends (90B10E, 80B20E, and 70B30E), was tested individually. To find a sustainable fuel substitute, the goal was to identify a biofuel with a kinematic viscosity similar to that of diesel for a comparable spray process. Experimental results showed that an 80% methyl ester and 20% ethanol blend had a kinematic viscosity close to that of diesel. In addition to diesel, this blend resulted in a 48.6% reduction in exhaust gas opacity and a 6.54% lower specific fuel consumption (BSEC). The main aim of the tests was to find a 100% biofuel substitute without modifying the fuel injection systems of existing engines.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Fratita & Robert-Madalin Chivu & Eugen Rusu & Gabriel Bogdan Carp & Ion Ion & Francisco P. Brito, 2025. "Experimental Investigation of Methyl Ester–Ethanol Blends as a Sustainable Biofuel Alternative for Heavy Duty Engines," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:253-:d:1558502
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Panarello, Demetrio & Gatto, Andrea, 2023. "Decarbonising Europe – EU citizens’ perception of renewable energy transition amidst the European Green Deal," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
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