Investigation on thermal properties of a novel fuel blend and its diesel engine performance

It is widely recognized that characteristics of fuel are strongly related with engine performance and exhaust emission. In this paper, a novel fuel blend is developed by adding carbon coated aluminium into diesel. Nanoparticles are blended with diesel in terms of different mass ratios, which are used for optimal selection. Thermo-physical properties of fuel blends are investigated at different testing temperatures. It is indicated that carbon coated aluminium is quite conducive to thermal conductivity but has little influence on viscosity. The highest thermal conductivity by using carbon coated aluminium could reach 0.23 W.m(-1).K-1 which is improved by 15% when compared with neat diesel. Then a series of experimental tests are conducted by using a heavy duty engine. Results show that at 1810 rpm speed, brake specific fuel consumption is in the range from 0.1 kg.kWh(-1) to 0.41 kg.kWh(-1). By using carbon coated aluminium, brake specific fuel consumption could be reduced by up to 13.3%. The maximum emission reduction by using novel fuel blend could reach 16.7%, 48.8% and 33.5% in terms of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbon compound and carbon monoxide. Based on improved thermos-physical properties, positive effect of carbon coated aluminium on engine performance and emissions has been demonstrated.