Experimental Study of Fuel Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Marine Diesel Engines Using Advanced Fuels

In order to explore the potential application of oxygenated fuels, polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODE), as an alternative fuel for marine diesel engines, the fuel combustion performance and gas emission characteristics of pure diesel oil, diesel-blended PODE, and pure PODE were tested on a marine diesel engine under different running conditions. The experimental results indicate that oxygen consumption can be reduced by diesel-blended PODE and pure PODE. The in-cylinder pressure and exothermic curve were consistent with the trend of diesel oil. Also, the ignition delay of diesel-blended PODE and pure PODE decreased, and the diffusion rate was accelerated, which helped to improve the combustion performance of diesel engines. Diesel blended PODE and pure PODE reduced the particulate matter (PM) emissions by up to 56.9% and 86.8%, respectively, and CO emissions by up to 51.1% and 56.3%, respectively. NOx emissions were gradually decreased with engine load. CO₂ emissions were slightly increased, and the effective fuel consumption was increased up to 48% and 132%, respectively. It was shown that PODE could provide comparable power in a marine diesel engine and improve the fuel combustion and gas emission of the engine as a clean alternative fuel for marine diesel engines.