Experimental analysis of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and commercial diesel fuel blend characteristics using modified CFR engine

Performance parameters of different commercial diesel fuels is a subject of interest forfuel consumers. Fuel retailer Neste recently introduced a new brand of WWFC 5th grade dieselfuel in Baltic market, consisting of diesel fuel and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) blend. Fuelsamples have been recently tested on chassis dynamometer, measuring wheel power and torqueand in road conditions, measuring fuel consumption. Evaluation of fuel consumption andperformance parameters in road or laboratory conditions may yield uncertain results due tocomplexity of modern automobile engine management and emission reduction systems. To betterevaluate the combustion, fuel samples have been tested in modified CFR engine at various intakeair pressure, temperature and compression ratio settings. Engine indicated performanceparameters and combustion phasing of regular diesel fuel and diesel fuel-HVO blend arepresented. Comparing to regular diesel fuel, fuel blend with HVO showed reduced apparent heatrelease rate (AHRR) during premixed combustion phase at low inlet air temperature and lowcompression ratio conditions, comparing to regular diesel fuel. Premixed combustion phaseAHRR of diesel-HVO blend increased above AHRR of regular diesel fuel at higher inlet airtemperature and higher compression ratio conditions. Diffusion controlled combustion phaseAHRR of diesel-HVO blend increased above AHRR of regular diesel fuel at higher inlet airtemperature, higher compression ratio conditions and supercharged air supply.