Spray and combustion characteristics of dimethyl ether fuel

Abstract

Dimethyl ether (DME) has been recognized as an alternative fuel for better combustion and less pollutant formation than diesel, even though they have a cetane number. In this study, characteristics of DME spray were observed experimentally under various ambient conditions in a constant-volume chamber with a common-rail injection system. To understand the combustion characteristics of DME, radicals from the flame and exhaust gases were also investigated. Radicals from DME combustion were measured by a high-speed camera with stereoscope. Flame spectra were taken near 310 and 400-530 nm emitting from OH and CH or C₂ radicals respectively. Flames of diesel were found to be much stronger than those of DME because of the smoke emitted from CH and C2₂ radicals. Moreover, NO_x emission is substantially decreased without increasing in the smoke emission with a high exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate in DME combustion. It was confirmed from these results that DME has the potential for a low emission fuel alternative to diesel.