Optimizing diesel engine performance and emissions with heated high-pressure fuel lines: an experimental study
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose and evaluate a simpler technology to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines by preheating the fuel before injection into the combustion chamber.
Design/methodology/approach
A spring-type heater coil with suitable insulation was installed on the high-pressure fuel pipeline to preheat the fuel. Experiments were conducted at a standard injection timing of 23° before top dead center, across 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of full load. The fuel was preheated to 100°C, 160°C and 220°C for each engine load. Engine performance, emissions and thermal balance were analyzed for preheated and unheated diesel.
Findings
This study found that preheated fuel improved combustion characteristics, with higher pressure rise and net heat release rates during diffusion combustion. Brake thermal efficiency increased by 8.75% to 10.58%, and brake-specific fuel consumption decreased by up to 9.18%. Emissions significantly dropped: nitrogen oxides by up to 51%, smoke density by up to 63%, carbon monoxide by up to 67% and hydrocarbon by up to 25%. Thermal balance results showed increased useful work and reduced heat losses, particularly at higher preheating temperatures.
Originality/value
This research presents a novel and simpler approach to enhancing diesel engine performance and reducing emissions by preheating the fuel. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in efficiency and substantial reductions in harmful emissions, highlighting the potential of preheated fuel as a viable solution for cleaner diesel engine operation.
Keywords
Citation
Shashidhara, V.V., Prabhu, R., Nayak, V., Gonsalves, J. and Murugesh, V. (2025), "Optimizing diesel engine performance and emissions with heated high-pressure fuel lines: an experimental study", World Journal of Engineering, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJE-08-2024-0459
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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