Innovative insights into engine performance and emissions - A numerical and experimental investigation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and renewable dimethyl ether

This study explores the performance and emissions characteristics of renewable dimethyl ether (DME) in comparison to three commonly used aliphatic hydrocarbons: diesel, decane, and dodecane. This research addresses a notable gap in the existing literature by integrating advanced numerical modelling...

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Main Authors: Wisam K. Hussam, Md Nurun Nabi, Mohammad G. Rasul, Ashfaque Ahmed Chowdhury, Fazlur Rashid, Nahina Islam
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-08-01
Series:Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25006276
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author Wisam K. Hussam
Md Nurun Nabi
Mohammad G. Rasul
Ashfaque Ahmed Chowdhury
Fazlur Rashid
Nahina Islam
author_facet Wisam K. Hussam
Md Nurun Nabi
Mohammad G. Rasul
Ashfaque Ahmed Chowdhury
Fazlur Rashid
Nahina Islam
author_sort Wisam K. Hussam
collection DOAJ
description This study explores the performance and emissions characteristics of renewable dimethyl ether (DME) in comparison to three commonly used aliphatic hydrocarbons: diesel, decane, and dodecane. This research addresses a notable gap in the existing literature by integrating advanced numerical modelling with experimental validation to investigate the distinct combustion behaviours and emission profiles under various operational conditions. We employ a dual approach that integrates advanced numerical modelling using GT-Suite software with experimental validation. This research presents several innovative aspects, including a comprehensive comparative analysis of multiple fuels under varied engine operating conditions, the integration of advanced numerical modelling with experimental validation, the development of detailed performance maps for optimisation, and the provision of practical insights for future engine design and environmental compliance. The work has several phases, including the variation of engine speeds (800 rpm–2400 rpm) keeping other parameters constant, secondly, the variation of fuel injection timing (20° bTDC to 20° aTDC) and thirdly, the changing of compression ratio (12–28) for all four fuels. The study also includes the energy and exergy analysis for the same fuels. Our findings indicate that DME improves brake thermal efficiency (BTE for DME is 40.71 % higher than diesel (40.03 %), decane of 40.3 %, and dodecane of 40.18 %). Compared to diesel, NO emissions were reduced by around 34 %, 30 % and 29 %, using decane, dodecane, and DME, respectively. This presents a promising avenue for developing more environmentally friendly fuel alternatives in the future.
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spelling doaj-art-efb4b93d4d8d4547a7ffdc073b97d6da2025-08-20T02:00:54ZengElsevierCase Studies in Thermal Engineering2214-157X2025-08-017210636710.1016/j.csite.2025.106367Innovative insights into engine performance and emissions - A numerical and experimental investigation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and renewable dimethyl etherWisam K. Hussam0Md Nurun Nabi1Mohammad G. Rasul2Ashfaque Ahmed Chowdhury3Fazlur Rashid4Nahina Islam5Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Australian University, West Mishref, Safat, 13015, KuwaitCollege of Engineering and Aviation, School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, AustraliaCollege of Engineering and Aviation, School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, AustraliaCollege of Engineering and Aviation, School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, AustraliaRajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Rajshahi, BangladeshCollege of Engineering and Aviation, School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Australia; Corresponding author.This study explores the performance and emissions characteristics of renewable dimethyl ether (DME) in comparison to three commonly used aliphatic hydrocarbons: diesel, decane, and dodecane. This research addresses a notable gap in the existing literature by integrating advanced numerical modelling with experimental validation to investigate the distinct combustion behaviours and emission profiles under various operational conditions. We employ a dual approach that integrates advanced numerical modelling using GT-Suite software with experimental validation. This research presents several innovative aspects, including a comprehensive comparative analysis of multiple fuels under varied engine operating conditions, the integration of advanced numerical modelling with experimental validation, the development of detailed performance maps for optimisation, and the provision of practical insights for future engine design and environmental compliance. The work has several phases, including the variation of engine speeds (800 rpm–2400 rpm) keeping other parameters constant, secondly, the variation of fuel injection timing (20° bTDC to 20° aTDC) and thirdly, the changing of compression ratio (12–28) for all four fuels. The study also includes the energy and exergy analysis for the same fuels. Our findings indicate that DME improves brake thermal efficiency (BTE for DME is 40.71 % higher than diesel (40.03 %), decane of 40.3 %, and dodecane of 40.18 %). Compared to diesel, NO emissions were reduced by around 34 %, 30 % and 29 %, using decane, dodecane, and DME, respectively. This presents a promising avenue for developing more environmentally friendly fuel alternatives in the future.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25006276Dimethyl etherDieselDecaneDodecaneCompression ignition engineRenewable fuel
spellingShingle Wisam K. Hussam
Md Nurun Nabi
Mohammad G. Rasul
Ashfaque Ahmed Chowdhury
Fazlur Rashid
Nahina Islam
Innovative insights into engine performance and emissions - A numerical and experimental investigation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and renewable dimethyl ether
Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Dimethyl ether
Diesel
Decane
Dodecane
Compression ignition engine
Renewable fuel
title Innovative insights into engine performance and emissions - A numerical and experimental investigation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and renewable dimethyl ether
title_full Innovative insights into engine performance and emissions - A numerical and experimental investigation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and renewable dimethyl ether
title_fullStr Innovative insights into engine performance and emissions - A numerical and experimental investigation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and renewable dimethyl ether
title_full_unstemmed Innovative insights into engine performance and emissions - A numerical and experimental investigation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and renewable dimethyl ether
title_short Innovative insights into engine performance and emissions - A numerical and experimental investigation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and renewable dimethyl ether
title_sort innovative insights into engine performance and emissions a numerical and experimental investigation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and renewable dimethyl ether
topic Dimethyl ether
Diesel
Decane
Dodecane
Compression ignition engine
Renewable fuel
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25006276
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