STUDYING MAIN TECHNICAL-OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ALTERNATIVE FUELS FOR DIESEL ITERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

Abstract

Today alternative fuels for engines, based on alcohols, oils and animal fats, are becoming widespread in Ukraine and all over the world. Therefore, intensive work is carried out on switching internal combustion engines to biofuel both in the countries with limited energy resources and in highly developed countries that have the possibility of purchasing liquid fuels.

The paper analyzes main alternative fuels for diesel internal combustion engines (ICE), gives their characteristics, investigates and evaluates main physical and chemical indicators of the most widespread biodiesel fuels and describes the conditions necessary for their application in ICE.

On the results of studying the cetane number such fuel types as RME B100 and SME B10 are recommended for use in high-speed diesel engines. It should be noted, however, that for SME B10 the cetane number is 49.4 and is very close to the standard value. Therefore, its application as a fuel will not have negative consequences for engines.    

According to the research results on lower combustion heat value, biodiesel fuel SME B20 corresponds to the State Standard and, therefore, by this indicator it is recommended for use in diesel engines.

Densities of biodiesel fuels SME B20 and SME B40 correspond to the State Standard of Ukraine and so they are also recommended to be used in diesel engines. 

Biodiesel fuels SME B20 and SME B40 correspond to the kinematic viscosity Standard as well.

According to the sulfur content, biodiesel fuels RME B100, SME B100, SME B20 and SME B40 correspond to the quality indicator of diesel fuels of the type II for high-speed diesels (ДСТУ 4840:2007).   

Thus, the properties of the investigated biodiesel fuels RME B100, SME B100, SME B20 and SME B40, based on rapeseed and soybeans oils, correspond or are very close to the State Standards of Ukraine. At the same time, SME B20 and SME B40 are the ones that are the  closest  to the commercial diesel fuels and, therefore, their application in high-speed diesel engines does not require any changes in the supply system and will ensure stable operation and high performance indicators of the engine.