Title: Computational modelling of NO_x emissions from biodiesel combustion

Authors: Wenqiao Yuan, Alan C. Hansen, Qin Zhang

Addresses: Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. ' Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois, 1304 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. ' Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois, 1304 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

Abstract: A detailed numerical spray atomisation, ignition, combustion and NO_x formation model was developed for direct injection diesel engines using KIVA-3V code that could be applied to biodiesel fuels and this model was used to investigate the NO_x emissions mechanisms of biodiesel compared with diesel fuel. In addition, computational modelling was applied to evaluate strategies for reducing NO_x emissions from biodiesel combustion. The physical and thermodynamic properties of biodiesel used in the model were based on fatty acid composition. The model was verified with experimental data from an engine fuelled with diesel fuel, soyabean methyl ester, Yellow Grease Methyl Ester (YGME) and genetically modified soyabean methyl ester. Strategies for reducing NO_x emissions from biodiesel combustion were evaluated with the aid of the model. Increasing spray cone angle, retarding start of injection, applying Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and charge air cooling were all effective approaches to reducing NO_x emissions from biodiesel fuel.

Keywords: biodiesel combustion; exhaust gas recirculation; EGR; ignition; modelling; air cooling; NO_x emissions; spray atomisation; exhaust emissions; vehicle design; biofuels; bioenergy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2007.013668

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2007 Vol.45 No.1/2, pp.12 - 32

Published online: 11 May 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article