OME: Researchers test synthetic fuel

On the road to a clean combustion engine

They generate carbon dioxide, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides: combustion engines are in the cross-hairs of public opinion and many inner cities have already imposed driving bans for certain kinds of diesel-powered vehicles. But synthetic fuels like the group of oxymethylene ethers (OMEs) might hold the answer. They burn virtually free of undesirable by-products such as soot and hydrocarbons, and thus provide an additional air-quality benefit over other long-standing designer fuels. However, they also have disadvantages: production costs are higher than those of fossil fuels and there are no production facilities available yet.

The XME Diesel project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics, aims to promote the use of OMEs. Scientists from TUM's Chair of Internal Combustion Engines are also involved in the project. They investigated the behavior of OMEs in engines, the adjustments required to improve combustion efficiency and the degree to which harmful emissions can be reduced in comparison to fossil fuels.

From one cylinder to a full-scale engine

First, the researchers did computer simulations and experiments on a single-cylinder engine testbed. They determined the optimal parameters for efficient combustion. For example, the synthetic fuel has a lower calorific value than diesel, which means more fuel must be injected into the engine to achieve the same performance. The scientists thus adapted the injectors accordingly.

Furthermore, since the synthetic fuel does not produce soot, large amounts of exhaust gas can be recirculated into the engine without contaminating the intake. This approach inhibits the formation of nitrogen oxides because the recirculated exhaust gas prevents very high temperatures during combustion.

Next, the scientists tested the parameters on a full-engine testbed comprising a six-cylinder production engine that was adapted specifically to run on synthetic fuel. The tests on the full engine confirmed the previous results.

Emissions can be reduced to zero

"We determined that using this fuel can significantly reduce pollutant emissions," explains Dr. Martin Härtl, who coordinates the project. "The Euro 6 level, the currently applicable limit, is easily met when using the synthetic fuel. We are also convinced that high-performance exhaust after-treatment can even reduce emissions to almost zero." OME made from waste CO2 – carbon dioxide generated in processes in the steel and cement industries, for example, or in coal and gas-fired plants – and electricity from renewable sources, would even be carbon neutral.

Particularly interesting is the use of OME in vehicles and systems in which internal combustion engines cannot be readily replaced by battery-powered electric drives, explains Härtl. Examples include long haul trucks, energy provision in remote areas and the aviation and shipping sectors.

More information:

The tests were carried out as part of the project "XME Diesel – (Bio) Methyl Ethers as Alternative Fuels in Bivalent Diesel Engines," funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy.
Further research in the field of OMEs at the Institute of Internal Combustion Engines is part of the project "OME – Environmentally Friendly Diesel Fuel Additives" (funded by the Agency for Renewable Resources with funds of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture) and the project "Sub-Zero-Emissions Diesel Engine" (funded by the Bavarian Research Foundation).

Contact:

Dr. Martin Härtl
Technical University of Munich
Institute of Internal Combustion Engines
Tel: +49 89 289 24110
haertlspam prevention@lvk.mw.tum.de

Images for editorial use:

mediatum.ub.tum.de/1452936