The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi researchers have developed a technology that allows a diesel-powered automotive vehicle to run in flex-fuel mode – environmentally friendly Dimethyl Ether (DME). The technology enables the transition of diesel trucks from conventional diesel to DME as an alternative fuel. The project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Government of India.
Dimethyl ether (DME) is one of the alternative fuels for compression ignition engines and vehicles. It can be produced from biomass, coal, industrial waste, municipal solid waste, black liquid (a by-product of pulp) by gasification and the Fisher-Tropsch synthesis process.
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It can also be produced via catalytic dehydration of methanol. DME is generally stored in liquid and phase change from liquid to vapor or gas can easily occur at ambient temperature and pressure.
The technology was developed by researchers from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering (DESE), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC R&D) and Ashok Leyland Ltd. pilot base.
The technology produces less/negligible smoke, soot and particulate emissions. It has a lower noise level with smoother engine or vehicle operation. Furthermore, it helps improve temporary engine performance, improve energy security and create a sustainable environment as there is a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The flex-fuel technology-based vehicle DOST was jointly flagged off at IIT Delhi on April 8 by Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary, DST, Prof Rangan Banejee, Director, IIT Delhi, Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D), Indian Oil, Krishnan Sadagopan , Senior Vice President, Ashok Leyland, Prof. Sunil Kumar Khare, Dean R&D, IIT Delhi, Prof KA Subramanian, Head, DESE, IIT Delhi in the presence of senior officials of IIT Delhi, IOC R&D, and Auto Major Ashok Leyland.
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Prof. dr. K. Subramanian, head of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, IIT Delhi, said of the flex-fuel car technology: “DME fuel is injected into the engine’s intake manifold and diesel is injected directly into the engine cylinder. The CRDI system controls both diesel and DME fuel injection with respect to load, the engine/vehicle runs at the optimum DME energy share without knocking.”
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