Biodiesel offers great internal engine potential for reducing particulate emissions

Brief study on behalf demonstrates ways of significantly reducing particulate emissions

Berlin, 23th July 2013. Tests carried out by regineering GmbH, Denkendorf, Germany, on a 1-cylinder test engine confirm great potential for reducing particulates by using biodiesel as opposed to diesel. The reason for this is the specific physical and chemical properties of biodiesel, which combine very well with modern diesel engines. Modern diesel engines are equipped with highly complex engine controls, which enable the engine operational mode to adapt to the specific properties of the respective fuel. The fact that this also applies to biodiesel was confirmed in a brief study carried out by regineering GmbH, commissioned to them by the Union zur Förderung von Oelund Proteinpflanzen (UFOP). Tests were carried out on a test bench with a common rail test engine. The tests compared standard diesel (B7) and biodiesel fuel. Along with pure biodiesel (B100), an admixture with 30 % biodiesel (B30) was also tested. 

However, the test did not stop at just a simple comparison. In fact, an output adjustment for the biodiesel variants was carried out as well and an optimised engine setting was deduced. By optimising the engine setting, the particulate emissions when operating with biodiesel (B100 and B30) are reduced at selected points by 43 % (B100) and 26 % (B30) in comparison with the current diesel fuel with 93% diesel and 7% biodiesel admixture (B7).

By adapting the injection strategy, the advantages of particulate reduction can be utilised without having to face an increase in nitric oxide or increased fuel consumption (energy-equivalent). 

The UFOP sees the results of this assessment, which has only been carried out once in the present form, as further proof that the advantages of biodiesel are increasing as advancement in engine technology continues to progress. Continuous engine technical optimisation is called for here in order to ensure further market access of biodiesel, which continues to be the most significant alternative fuel in Germany and the European Union. With reference to the mobility and fuel strategy agreed by the Federal Cabinet in June 2013, the policy, according to the Association, must also consider these aspects in the future formulation of funding policy framework conditions.

The brief study is available as a free download here.