Biofuels from lignocellulose can significantly contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions reduction of the trans port sector. Oxygenated fuels like Di-n-butyl ether and oxymethylene ethers are among the most promising alter natives for diesel engines. The suitability of these compounds is investigated in a research project conducted at the Institute for Powertrains and Automotive Technology at Vienna University of Technology and the Institute of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology at Graz University of Technology. The fuels show CO2 saving potential by up to 70 % and remarkable soot reduction properties.
DI-N-BUTYL ETHER AND OXYMETHYLENE ETHERS AS DIESEL SUBSTITUTE FUELS
Fuels from lignocellulosic biomass have the potential to contribute to sustainable future mobility targets by reducing the fossil CO2 emissions of the transport sector. Of special interest for the diesel engine are oxygenated fuels, since they can help to solve traditional conflicts of objectives like the soot-NOx trade-off. Din-butyl Ether (DBE) and Oxymethylene Ethers (OME) are among the most promising fuel candidates.
Due to its high reactivity, DBE (C8H18O) shows a very short ignition delay and is used by some researchers as an ignition booster in blended fuels [1, 2]. The properties of the other investigated fuel, OME, depend on the molecule size and therefore on the number of oxymethylene units (-CH2O-). The resulting formula is H3C-O(-CH2O-)n-CH3. Generally, OME with molecule sizes n = 3 to 6 is found to have the best suitability for diesel engine applications, since their properties are closest to diesel [3-5].
In this study, certified diesel fuel is used as a reference for comparison and is briefly referred to as CEC. DBE is additive with 1,000 ppm of monocarboxylic acid to ensure sufficient lubricity. OMEmix, the second investigated fuel, consists mainly of OME3 (approximately 78.7 wt%) and OME4 (approximately 19.8 wt%). The investigated compounds are injected into the combustion chamber both as a neat fuel and as a diesel-biofuel-blend with 20 vol% biogenic share. The most important fuel properties are summarised in 1.
PRODUCTION PATHWAYS OF DBE AND OMEMIX AS SECOND-GENERATION BIOFUELS
This story is from the May 2019 edition of Auto Tech Review.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2019 edition of Auto Tech Review.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sound Generation For Enhanced Road Safety
With an ever-increasing number of fully electric and hybrid vehicles entering the market, we are witnessing a change in the acoustic experience in and around the car. The silent nature of the electric powertrain means that other road users miss the familiar acoustic cues that warn them of an approaching vehicle. To remedy this situation, Harman is working on various noise management solutions.
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE SAFETY CONTRIBUTION OF TODAY'S AUTOMOTIVE HEADLAMPS
Good lighting makes a major contribution to road safety. In 2011, the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) presented an evaluation system for headlamps that can objectively assess the quality of illumination and glare limitation. New light sources like LEDs and lighting functions (glare-free high beam, partial high beam) have been available for several years, so that an extension of the proven CIE method is necessary, which takes into account, among other things, changed switch-on and service lives of new lighting functions and represents a generally understandable evaluation system. An evaluation system presented in the following by the Technische Uni versität Darmstadt, which was developed by an encompassing expert commission, is intended to provide representative data and enable an objective evaluation of headlamp performance.
RAPIDO RE-INNOVATES TO CATER TO POST COVID-19 LAST MILE CONNECTIVITY
The rapid pace of urbanisation in the country has witnessed cities expanding and subsuming surrounding villages and smaller towns, evolving into Tier II and III cities.
FUNCTIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS TOP PRIORITY FOR FUTURE AUTOMOTIVE DEPLOYMENT
Increasing levels of electronic content in vehicles result in a large amount of software that is required to run the scenes behind the mechanical aspects of a vehicle. Electronic systems in automobiles are part of every section, from the powertrain to comfort and convenience systems as well as all types of safety equipment. This makes electronics and the software running these systems a critical part of the equation for future mobility solutions. In addition, putting standards in place to measure methods of developing, testing and functioning of such electronic systems also becomes highly relevant.
“BYD'S EV STRATEGY TO ENCOMPASS MOST FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION NEEDS IN INDIA”
The country’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem is grappling with a plethora of challenges even as it is striving to wriggle itself out of the ‘nascent stage’ tag. In an exclusive chat with Auto Tech Review, Zhang Jie Ketsu, Executive Director, BYD India shares his perspective on the current EV scenario and how the company intends to progress faster in the Indian automotive industry
SAFETY IN ELECTRIC AND AUTONOMOUS CARS – SIMULATION OF COMPLEX CRASH SCENARIOS
Electric and autonomous vehicles allow for novel seating arrangements and packaging strategies, presenting new safety challenges. Physical crash testing must be supplemented with virtual simulation to ensure vehicle safety on shorter development cycles. With its Simcenter Madymo MBS software, Siemens provides improved runtimes and the Active Human model, enabling accurate and rapid occupant safety analysis in complex crash scenarios.
KIA SONET – A MIGHTY OFFERING IN THE COMPACT SUV SEGMENT
It wouldn't be wrong to say that Kia Motors India has taken the Indian market by storm in less than 12 months of its presence in the market.
NISSAN'S NEW DIRECTION: ARIYA ALL-ELECTRIC
Marking a key milestone in Nissan’s transformation strategy, Ariya ticks a lot of boxes highlighting the strengths of the global automotive giant.
BETTER SAFETY WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSIST FOR MOTORCYCLES
Rear-end collisions with a slower vehicle suddenly cutting into the lane and intersection accidents with cross-traffic are among the most frequent motorcycle accident types. Continental is now developing an emergency brake assist, which detects an imminent collision with a vehicle ahead or with an obstacle, warns the rider and supports him during braking
ADAS WILL SERVE AS CATALYST FOR IMPROVED VEHICLE SAFETY
The automotive industry across the globe is increasingly focussing on safety.
