Performance Investigation of a VCR Engine Using Water Containing Mixture of Dimethyl Ketone & Gasoline as a Fuel.

Abstract

In recent years, the heavy reliance on fossil fuels for transportation has contributed to oil shortages and environmental challenges, especially due to emissions from vehicles. These emissions include unburned hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and unregulated pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, acids, and greenhouse gases. The extensive use of fossil fuels causes environmental damage and poses health risks. Due to increasing fuel costs and deteriorating air quality, researchers have investigated the use of acetone as an alternative fuel to enhance engine efficiency and lower emissions. Acetone, also known as dimethyl ketone, is an organic solvent primarily used in varnishes and paints and offers advantages over ethanol, such as higher density, calorific value, a high-octane number, and a low latent heat of vaporization. However, water content in acetone can hinder its use in internal combustion engines. This investigation analyzes the performance and combustion properties of a gasoline engine utilizing fuel blends. with 18.5% acetone, 1.5% water, and 80% gasoline (A18.5W1.5), and 18% acetone, 2% water, and 80% gasoline (A18W2), comparing them to pure gasoline. The findings suggest that the A18W2 blend demonstrates superior combustion timing and increased brake thermal efficiency compared to the other test fuels, establishing water-containing acetone-gasoline blends as a viable alternative fuel option.