IMPACT OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL BIODIESEL FUEL ADDITIVE ON DIESEL ENGINE COMBUSTION PROCESS

The use of fuel additives in engine fuels is a widespread tendency, and one which occurs on a worldwide basis. The most common area in the development of additives is for petrol and diesel fuel. The manufacturers claim that additives emulsify condensation water in the fuel tank, cleaning the fuel supply system and decreasing fuel consumption by improving the engine combustion process. Several additives have been developed for biofuels such as, for example, Valvoline VPS HD Diesel System Complete, which has been developed for biodiesel fuel. The manufacturers state that additives clean the fuel supply system and restore the engine power, which is something that could be reduced in cases in which biodiesel fuel is used. Moreover, soot emissions in exhaust fumes are decreased. According to the aforementioned points, fuel additives should have a significant impact on the engine combustion process in order to ensure improvements in the parameters that have been mentioned. In order to see the true picture, this article analyses the impact of biodiesel fuel with an additive, along with undiluted biodiesel fuel and diesel fuel, on the engine combustion process. More specifically, variations in the combustion pressure and combustion phases are being analysed. What is more, the heat release rate, heat release and cylinder working values are calculated, and the engine efficiency, fuel consumption, and exhaust emission levels are presented. The results indicate that this specific fuel additive does not have a significant impact on the engine combustion process.