Impact of Di-methyl Ether (DME) as an Additive Fuel for Compression Ignition Engine in Reduction of Urban Air Pollution

Sanjoy Maji^1, , Sirajuddin Ahmed², Weqar Ahmad Siddiqui¹, Sanjeev Aggarwal³ and Anil Kumar⁴

¹Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

²Department of Civil Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia

³Central Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi

⁴Department of Environment, Govt. of NCT of Delhi

Cite this paper:
Sanjoy Maji, Sirajuddin Ahmed, Weqar Ahmad Siddiqui, Sanjeev Aggarwal and Anil Kumar. Impact of Di-methyl Ether (DME) as an Additive Fuel for Compression Ignition Engine in Reduction of Urban Air Pollution. American Journal of Environmental Protection. 2015; 3(2):48-52. doi: 10.12691/env-3-2-2

Abstract

With ever growing concerns on environmental pollution, energy security and future oil supplies, the global community is seeking nonpetroleum based alternative fuels to increase the efficiency of energy use. Di-methyl ether (DME) can be used as a clean, high-efficiency compression ignition (CI) engine fuel with reduced NOx, SOx, and particulate matter. DME’s diesel engine-compatible properties are its high cetane number and low auto-ignition temperature. However, physical properties of DME (viz. lower viscosity, lubricity, combustion enthalpy and boiling point) demands modifications to diesel engine internal structures and components. The technology with pure DME as an alternative fuel for CI engine and vehicle is still under development stage. However, if DME is used as an additive fuel with diesel, the relative “goodness” of each fuel might be utilized. This paper analyses the potential benefit of blending DME in diesel fuel in reduction of urban air pollution.

Keywords:
alternative fuel CI engine DME air pollution

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