The role of acetone for cleaner combustion in diesel engine

The effects of acetone on the combustion, performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine were investigated. This study focused on the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of using acetone in a diesel engine. Acetone as an oxygenated additive with a carbonyl functional group was blended with diesel fuel at different concentrations. The engine was operated at a constant speed of 2000 rpm and different loads. Low concentrations of acetone reduced the coefficient of variation (COV) and slightly increased the peak pressure and the heat release rate (HRR) at most loads. The emissions of CO and NOx were reduced besides a slight enhancement in the engine performance. Relatively high concentrations significantly increased the COV at both idle and full loads and depressed the peak pressure and HRR at full load. Acetone with relatively high concentrations caused instabilities in the diesel engine operation.