Real-time water-in-diesel emulsion fuel production system for diesel electric generator

Abstract

This research focused on the design and development of a novel emulsion fuel making device that can eliminate emulsion fuel main weaknesses; stability issues and high dependency of surfactant. The device is called Real-Time Water-in- Diesel Emulsion Fuel Production System (RTES) and utilized for the diesel electric generator application. The concept of RTES device consists of fuel and water which being stored in different units. These two immiscible liquids are transferred and instantaneously being emulsified by a mixing system before the produced emulsion fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. The research started with engine performance and emission test using water-in-diesel emulsion as fuel under various water percentages (5, 10, 15 and 20 %). The water content that gives optimum impact of engine performance and emission was selected to be used in RTES. Next, emulsion fuel stability test was conducted where different mixing equipments and conditions were tested to mix water and diesel without the existence of surfactant. The findings are used as reference to generate the conceptual design in the design process of the RTES. RTES device was then developed and tested onto the 0.406 litre, single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled diesel engine. The engine testing result showed that emulsion fuel without surfactant made by RTES does gives significant improvement to the engine with the 3.59 % increase in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and 3.89% reduction in brake specific fuel consumption as compared to diesel fuel. In addition, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) contents in the exhaust emission reduced significantly compared to neat diesel fuel with the average reduction of 31.66% and 16.33% respectively. Overall, RTES device proved that emulsion fuel can be used in the engine without the existence of surfactant while maintaining its benefits which are greener exhaust emission and fuel saving.