Keywords

Bio-derived Fuels, Hot Surface Ignition Assistant Devices, Cetane Number, Normalized Total Heat Release, Ignition Delay, Auto-ignition

Abstract

With global warming, fuel supply, rising fuel prices, and energy security becoming major concerns for countries around the globe, many countries have been researching methods to reduce carbon emissions. One option being considered is using Bio-derived fuels as a possible alternative to modern jet fuels due to their ability to produce less emissions. However, while they do produce less emissions, they are also characterized by their low cetane numbers resulting in low reactivity requiring more energy to ignite, lower total heat release values, and longer ignition delays leading to engine problems such as knocking and power loss. Ignition assistant devices could provide the additional energy these bio-derived fuels require for a sufficient ignition to occur. This study utilized a constant volume combustion chamber fitted with a pressure transducer to analyze the ignition properties. The constant volume combustion chamber is also equipped with a six-inch optical window which allows for high-speed image capture and diagnostics if needed. For each test performed, the chamber was kept at ambient pressure and temperature to investigate the combustion properties of the different fuel blends with varying ignition assistant parameters. During the study, it was observed that the normalized heat release is directly related to the temperature and protrusion length of the ignition assistant device. The ignition delay was also observed to be inversely proportional to the ignition assistant temperature. Based on the findings, optimal ignition assist operation is achieved at a temperature of 1400 °C and with protrusion lengths between 18.9 and 22.9 millimeters. Utilizing this ideal operation could allow for optimal use of bio derived diesel fuels in the future.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Ahmed, Kareem

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Identifier

DP0029414

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Download

Share

COinS