Potential of Oxymethylene Dimethyl Ether for a Diesel Engine Improving Emission and Combustion Characteristics

Abstract

Oxymethylene dimethyl ether (OME) produced from renewable energy is a promising fuel for reducing Well-to-Wheel CO2 emissions and other pollutants. Especially the Soot-NOx trade-off of diesel engines is dramatically improved by using OME. Recent investigations revealed that the chemical structure of OME without C-C bond reduced soot production. In the present paper, we examined the use of OME3-5 in a single-cylinder diesel engine and proved improved combustion and emission characteristics. Simulation results indicate that the lower flame temperature and lower equivalence ratio due to higher oxygen content realized improved Soot-NOx trade-off.