Experimental investigation on using emulsified fuels with different biofuel additives in a DI diesel engine for performance and emissions

Highlights: • The optimum emulsified fuel (OEF) content was determined as the blend of B20, DEE5, 10% W, 2% surfactant and 63% diesel fuel. • Using OEF in the engine decreases engine torque and brake power slightly. • Using OEF decreases SFC, but increases brake efficiency. • Using OEF reduces NO emission and smoke emission by 12.5% and 29%, respectively. - Abstract: In this study, an experimental investigation of engine performance and emissions is performed on a DI diesel engine using stabilized emulsified fuels, blends of biodiesel, diethyl ether, water and diesel. And the study is concluded by determining the optimal fuel fractions with respect to engine performance and emissions. Experiments are done gradually to obtain the optimum values for each fuel, biodiesel, diethyl ether and emulsified fuel, in blend fuel. As a result of experimental studies the optimal blend fuel fractions, with respect to engine performance, for biodiesel utilization, for diethyl ether utilization and for emulsified fuel utilization are found to be B20, DEE5 and E10, respectively. In other words, the optimum emulsified fuel is formed as a blend of 20% biodiesel, 5% DEE, 10% tap water, 2% surfactant and 63% pure diesel, by mass. Considering the results obtained, performance and emissions are presented for the optimum emulsified fuel utilization and also with comparison to the standard engine data. Reminding the results of experiments are conducted at the maximum torque condition, in conclusion a small reduction in engine torque and power, and a 5.7% reduction in SFC, and improvements up to 19% in brake efficiency, and a 12.5% reduction in NO emission, and a 29% reduction in smoke emission, and remarkable reductions in CO and increases in HC emissions are observed.