The Comparison of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils With respect to Petroleum Derived Fuels and the Effects of Transient Plasma Ignition in a Compression-Ignition Engine

Abstract

This thesis presents the results of an experimental study of the combustion characteristics of algae and camelina derived biofuels as well as the effects of Transient Plasma Ignition in a Compression-Ignition Engine. Testing was conducted for Hydrotreated Renewable Diesel, algae, and benchmarked against F-76 and Diesel #2 fuels as well as Hydrotreated Renewable Jet, camelina, benchmarked against JP-5 across a matrix of constant engine speeds and engine loads in a Detroit Diesel 3-53 legacy engine. A heat release rate analysis and a cycle analysis were performed at each matrix point. The algae and camelina fuels averaged 1.4 Crank Angle Degrees earlier ignition, 2 Crank Angle Degrees longer burn duration, 2.25 atmospheres decrease in Peak Pressure, 1.4 Crank Angle Degrees delay in Angle of Peak Pressure, 0.5 per cent increase in Indicated Mean Effective Pressure, and 6 per cent decrease in Break Specific Fuel Consumption than their petroleum counterpart. A comparison between Diesel #2 at idle was performed between Transient Plasma Ignition Assisted Compression-Ignition and conventional Compression-Ignition. Transient Plasma Ignition averaged a Crank Angle Degree earlier start of combustion, faster pressure rise, but lower Peak Pressures than Compression-Ignition. However, due to failure of the plasma electrode it was not ascertained if this phenomenon is repeatable.