Evaluation of Dimethyl Carbonate as Alternative Biofuel. Performance and Smoke Emissions of a Diesel Engine Fueled with Diesel/Dimethyl Carbonate/Straight Vegetable Oil Triple Blends

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is an interesting blending component for diesel fuel (D) owing to the high oxygen content (53 wt.%) and absence of C–C bonds in its structure. Moreover, DMC can be produced from CO2 methanol, which provides a renewable way reduce anthropogenic CO2. This research has been addressed assess use as solvent sunflower oil (SO) castor (CO), with purpose obtaining biofuels that replace fossil much possible. The straight vegetable oils (SVOs) reduces their viscosity, allowing usage drop-in without chemical treatments. Based on viscosity requirements European Standard EN 590, optimal DMC/SVO double blends have tested direct by themselves or mixed D/DMC/SVO triple blends. Relevant physico-chemical properties fuels analyzed. Engine parameters such power output, brake-specific consumption (BSFC) soot emissions studied determine effect new efficiency engine. An outstanding engine shown blends, either SO CO SVO. low calorific value main reason reduction BSFC, amount reduced. Experimental results demonstrate these allows replacement up 40% diesel, compromising BSFC engine, accomplishing cold flow marked drop exhaust emissions.