Factors Affecting Performance of Diesel Engine Using DEE as an Ignition Enhancer by varying EGR and Intake Air Temperature

Abstract The rapid depletion of fossil fuels worldwide has prompted energy researchers to develop alternative energy sources using advanced technologies that maximize energy utilization. Effective use of fossil fuels can be achieved by fully extracting available energy before depletion. In this context, researchers have developed Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) to optimize energy extraction during combustion. This study investigates the performance of a direct injection diesel engine using diethyl ether (DEE) as an ignition enhancer combined with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel. The experimental setup also incorporates Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology and intake air preheating to assess the impact on blended fuel performance. The study evaluates fuel performance under various load conditions, finding a 1.5% improvement in thermal efficiency at 15% EGR and 50°C air preheat when DEE is blended with LPG. Significant reductions in smoke (85%) and particulate emissions (90%) were observed. The analysis further highlights the superior performance of intake air preheating and EGR techniques.