Chinese researchers pioneer use of ethanol-diesel duel fuel combinations

In China, at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Tianjin University published a study on the use of a diesel engine with fumigation ethanol.  With this kind of dual fuel engine, the diesel is injected directly into the engine, while the alcohol fuel, in this case ethanol, is mixed with air and then injected.  The researchers also used a diesel oxidation catalyst.

With this combination tested on a four cylinder engine, researchers found that NOX emissions decreased due to the cooling effects of ethanol, but that this was less pronounced under high engine loads, and that NO2 emissions increased.  The study also demonstrated lower particle mass concentration, particle number concentration and reduced smoke compared to Euro V fuel.  While other studies have been done, this particular study focused on particulate emissions, both the mass and numbers.

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